Yam Daisy, also known as Murnong or Myrnong, Microseris Species are one of Australia’s most significant traditional bush foods. Once widespread across the grasslands and open woodlands of Victoria, southern New South Wales and the ACT, it provided an important food source for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years.
Today, Yam Daisy is becoming increasingly popular in native gardens and bush tucker plantings. Easy to grow and attractive when in flower, it produces edible underground tubers that have a pleasantly sweet flavour, often described as being similar to coconut.
Although commonly referred to as Yam Daisy, there are actually three closely related Microseris species found in south-eastern Australia. Of these, Microseris walteri is generally regarded as the best species for producing larger, less fibrous edible tubers.
What is Murnong?
Murnong was once one of the most abundant and important food plants of south-eastern Australia. The edible tubers grow just below the soil surface, making them easy to harvest.
Early records describe vast fields of Yam Daisy growing throughout native grasslands before European settlement. Unfortunately, land clearing, cultivation and grazing by sheep and cattle greatly reduced populations during the nineteenth century, leading to its disappearance from many areas.
Today there is renewed interest in growing Murnong as both a bush tucker crop and an important part of Australia’s cultural and horticultural heritage.
Microseris Species
Three closely related species are commonly referred to as Yam Daisy.
Microseris walteri
This is the species most often grown for food production. It produces a single fleshy root that expands into a narrow edible tuber. The tuber is replaced annually and is generally regarded as having the best eating qualities.
Microseris scapigera
This species produces several long tapering roots rather than one larger tuber. The roots can be somewhat fibrous and are often considered less desirable for eating.
Microseris lanceolata
The roots are edible but tend to be more fibrous and slightly bitter compared to Microseris walteri.
How to Grow Yam Daisy
Yam Daisy is a surprisingly easy plant to grow and is well suited to home gardens throughout much of southern Australia.
The plants prefer a sunny position, although they will tolerate a little light shade. A well-drained soil is essential, and while they appreciate moisture during active growth, they dislike prolonged waterlogging.
In cultivation they grow through autumn, winter and spring before becoming dormant during summer.
For best growth:
- Plant in full sun or light shade.
- Use a free-draining soil.
- Water during extended dry periods.
- Apply a light application of organic fertiliser during the growing season.
- Avoid disturbing the roots unnecessarily.
Once established, plants require very little maintenance
Growing Yam Daisy from Seed
Seed is best sown in early autumn.
Many growers recommend a period of cold stratification for around four weeks before sowing to improve germination rates. However, fresh seed often germinates readily without treatment.
To sow seed:
- Fill pots or trays with a free-draining seed-raising mix.
- Sow seed on the surface.
- Cover lightly with sifted mix.
- Keep moist but not wet.
- Place in a bright position.
Germination usually occurs within three to four weeks.
Seed can be sown directly into prepared garden beds, seedling trays or larger pots.
Harvesting Yam Daisy
Tubers are generally harvested after two to three years of growth, although smaller tubers may be produced earlier.
The best time to harvest is towards the end of the growing season when plants are approaching dormancy.
Using a garden fork, carefully lift the plant to expose the tubers beneath the soil surface.
For sustainable harvesting:
- Leave the largest mature plants in place.
- Replant the smallest tubers.
- Harvest the medium-sized tubers for eating.
- Replant remaining crowns where possible.
This approach helps maintain a productive patch year after year.
Bush Tucker Uses
The edible tubers can be eaten raw, roasted or cooked.
The flavour is sweet and has often been compared to coconut. Traditionally they were an important carbohydrate-rich food source and were harvested in large quantities.
Today they are used in bush food gardens, educational plantings and by gardeners interested in growing native edible plants.
Landscaping Uses
Yam Daisy is useful in a range of garden situations including:
- Bush tucker gardens.
- Native grassland plantings.
- Wildlife-friendly gardens.
- Indigenous food gardens.
- Educational gardens.
- Meadow-style plantings.
The bright yellow daisy flowers provide seasonal colour while also attracting pollinating insects.
Summary Information
- Common Names – Yam Daisy, Murnong, Myrnong
- Botanical Name – Microseris species, including Microseris walteri, M. scapigera and M. lanceolata
- Plant Type – Herbaceous perennial
- Soil – Well-drained soil
- Position – Full sun to light shade
- Foliage – Low-growing green rosette
- Flowers – Bright yellow daisy-like flowers
- Flowering Time – Spring to summer
- Height – To 30 cm in flower
- Spread – Approximately 30 cm
- Edible Part – Underground tubers
- Growth Rate – Moderate
- Frost Tolerance – Good
- Drought Tolerance – Moderate once established
- Propagation – Seed
- Harvest Time – Generally after 2–3 years
- Uses – Bush tucker, native gardens, meadow plantings and educational gardens
Where To Buy
Specialist Native Food Nursery with thirty species available in both forestry tubes and 14 cm pots, from ground cover to canopy. Twenty years experience supplying landscape scale projects to backyard gardens.
www.peppermintridgefarm.au .