‘MURNONG’ YAM DAISY Microseris walteri Seeds

Microseris walteri is an Australian perennial herb with yellow flowers and edible tuberous roots, and one of three plants known as murnong or yam daisy along with Microseris scapigera and Microseris lanceolata

It is found in many forms in southern and eastern Australia In Victoria, the plant is widespread and occupying a wide range of habitats, particularly dry open forest
A variable species, it has the form of a tufted rosette of toothed lanceolate leaves The flower is a yellow head of florets, reminiscent of a dandelion

This species of Murnong was the main staple food for the Wurundjeri Aboriginals until the mid 1840s, when the introduction of sheep rendered the yam virtually extinct Though they re rare in the wild, you may still spot them growing in bushlands in Victoria, NSW and the ACT

Tubers start forming in mid summer beneath clumps of dandelion like flowers When the plant flowers in Autumn, the tuber roots are ready for harvest
The plant usually grows a single tuber each season There is a wide variation in shape and size of tubers between plants from different habitats in the Victoria Those from northwest Victoria have probably the longest tubers A rare form from the volcanic plain Woorndoo area has a stocky, sometimes few branched, but apparently perennial tap root

The plant is quick growing, and likes full sun to part shade Will do well in most soil types, and is drought and frost tolerant, but good care will ensure better growth

Bush food: Murnong was prepared by roasting or pit baking; the taste is described as sweet with a flavour of coconut
May be eaten raw or baked, in salads, mixed with other vegetables, or turned into a paste for desserts The slightly bitter leaves are also edible

Germination: Sow in autumn to early winter, as hot weather limits germination, and sow on the soil surface, a small sprinkle of sand or seed raising mix over the top of the seed will help it not be blown away Germinates in a couple of weeks

Video by EUROA ARBORETUM

Cathy Olive shows the Yam Daisy test patch at the Euroa Arboretum and shows how to id the daisy and which of the tubers can be eaten