The strong-scented herb with the yellow flower sent from Macarthur is Melilotus parvoflora.2 On account of its penetrating odour it is not liked by pasture animals. Hares take more readily to it than cattle. Sheep will browse on it to some extent. By itself this plant cannot be grown with advantage, although a little occuring in pastures is not obnoxious, as it gives meadow hay and green feed a somewhat aromatic tendency. An allied plant is called in Britain honey-lotus, as all the Melilotus species are sought by bees. The Melilotus parvoflora is a native of countries bordering on the Mediterranean.
Melilotus parvoflora
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Answers to correspondents', Weekly times, Farmer's gazette supplement, 15 January 1887, p. 1 (B87.01.04). It is introduced by 'Specimen of Grass. —J.T., Macarthur— Baron Von Mueller describes your specimen as follows:—'.
Typesetter's error for Melilotus parviflora?
Please cite as “FVM-87-01-00d,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on