Yam Daisy - Microseris scapigera (Murnong) seeds

Microseris scapigera - Yam Daisy (Murnong, Ngampa)
A rare and culturally significant perennial herb with sweet, edible tubers and vibrant yellow flowers.

Quick Facts

• Height & Spread: Forms a tufted rosette of lanceolate leaves with a single yellow flower head per stem.
• Flowers: Bright yellow, dandelion-like blooms, appearing in mid-summer and autumn.
• Fruits: Tuberous roots develop in mid-summer, ready for harvest in autumn.
• Soil: Grows in most soil types; prefers well-drained soil.
• Position: Thrives in full sun to part shade.
• Climate: Drought- and frost-tolerant; prefers temperate climates.

Why Grow Microseris scapigera?

Yam Daisy is an essential bush food plant with historical significance and ecological value. Its sweet tubers, edible leaves, and bright yellow flowers make it a versatile addition to bush food gardens, native landscapes, and ornamental settings.

Bush Food Note

Murnong tubers were a staple food for the Wurundjeri people, traditionally prepared by roasting or pit baking:

• Uses:
  • Tubers can be eaten raw, baked, or added to dishes such as salads and desserts.
  • Bitter tubers can be blanched in boiling water for 5 minutes to improve flavor.
  • Slightly bitter leaves are also edible and can be used in salads or as cooked greens.
• Taste: Sweet, with a flavor reminiscent of coconut.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Sow seeds in autumn to early winter, as hot weather inhibits germination.
   • Sprinkle seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with sand or seed-raising mix to prevent displacement.

2. Position:

   • Plant in full sun to part shade for optimal growth.
   • Ensure soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Tubers are ready for harvest in autumn when the plant flowers.
   • Protect plants in vulnerable habitats from grazing animals.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Produces sweet tubers and edible leaves for traditional and modern culinary uses.
• Ornamental Value: Bright yellow flowers add a splash of color to native gardens.
• Wildlife Habitat: Supports pollinators and local biodiversity.
• Erosion Control: Dense rosettes help stabilize soil in degraded areas.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination occurs in 1–2 weeks under optimal conditions.
• Season: Sow seeds in autumn to early winter.
• Light: Surface-sown seeds benefit from light exposure.
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination.

Order Now

Celebrate Australia’s natural heritage by growing Microseris scapigera. With its sweet tubers, edible leaves, and ecological benefits, Yam Daisy is a rewarding addition to your garden.

Order your Yam Daisy seeds today and grow a culturally significant plant that supports biodiversity and sustainable food practices!