Yam daisy
Microseris lanceolata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A small herb. It is a dandelion like daisy. It grows 10-40 cm long and 5-30 cm wide. It keeps growing from year to year. It has tubers which are edible. The leaves are in a ring near the base. The leaves are 4-40 cm long by 0.2-2 cm wide. They are narrowly sword shaped but vary in shape. The leaves near the base can have teeth or lobes. The flower stalk is 10-40 cm long. It is unbranched and hollow. The flower heads are daisy-like. They are 2.5-5 cm across. The occur singly and are bright yellow. They are at the top of the plant. The fruit is dry and one seeded. It is 0.6-1 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in open woodland and heath. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in sun or light shade. They can tolerate snow and frost. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), New Zealand, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The root tubers are roasted and eaten. They can be eaten raw but have less flavour.

It is a significant traditional food.

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by divisions of the tubers.

Its other names

Local names

Milaan, Murnong, Murrnong, Murrang, Myrniong, Native dandelion, Pun-yin

Synonyms

Microseris forsteri Hook.f.; Microseris scapigera;