Showy Podolepis, Showy Copper-wire Daisy
Podolepis jaceoides

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A daisy. It is showy and has a ragged look. It grows 30-80 cm high and spreads 30-70 cm wide. It can re-grow from its rootstock. There can be several stems from one rootstock. The leaves are crowded in tufts near the base. They are sword shaped but vary in hairiness. The leaves near the base are 10-20 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. There are only a few leaves on the stems. They are 1-5 cm long by 0.2-1 cm wide. The flowering stems are 40 cm high. They contain single large flowers. The flowers are golden yellow and have deeply split ray florets. The flower heads have papery bracts around them. The flower buds are large and bend over.

There are 20 Podolepis species. They grow in Australia.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It grows in grasslands and open forests. It often grows in moderately rich soil. It suits semi-arid regions. It can grow from sea level to alpine grassland. It needs a well drained moist soil. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The thick taproot was eaten.

The roots of Alpine podolepis (Podolepis robusta) and Long podolepis (Podolepis hieracioides) were probably also eaten.

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the rootstock.

Plants only a live a short time in cultivation.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Podolepis acuminata R.Br.;