Yam Daisy

Microseris scapigera

Physical Characteristics

Microseris scapigera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. New Zealand.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61]. Sweetish and moist[144] with a coconut flavour[154]. The root tastes like a sweet potato with an occasional hot taste[173]. It is said to be delicious[193]. The root is between 2 and 8cm long[193]. A favourite food of the Australian Aborigines, who ate the roots in quantity[193]. The root can be harvested all year round but it tastes bitter at certain times of the year, especially in early winter[193].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known