Microseris lanceolata
Encyclopedia
Microseris lanceolata (syn. M. scapigera) is a perennial herb also known as murnong and yam daisy.
It is found in many forms in Australia
(Victoria) and on the island of Tasmania
, the Tasmanian form being markedly smaller than the mainland Australian form.
The flower stalk is notable for its curious behaviour: pendulous before flowering, it becomes erect
for flowering, lifting the flower to the attention of pollinators, then becomes pendulous again until the seed head ripens, at which time it becomes erect again, exposing the seed head to the best possible wind exposure. The 'flower' is a yellow head of florets, reminiscent of a dandelion. The seed heads ripen to a cluster of fluffy, tan achenes, each having a crown of fine
extensions called a pappus. Seed dispersal is by wind.
and Tasmania
. The introduction of cattle, sheep and goats by Europeans led to the near extinction of Murnong, with calamitous results for Aborigines who depended upon Murnong for a large part of their food. Murnong was prepared by roasting or pit baking; the taste is described as "sweet with a flavour of coconut".
It is found in many forms in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
(Victoria) and on the island of Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
, the Tasmanian form being markedly smaller than the mainland Australian form.
Biological descriptions
A variable species, it has the form of a tufted rosette of toothed lanceolate leaves.The flower stalk is notable for its curious behaviour: pendulous before flowering, it becomes erect
for flowering, lifting the flower to the attention of pollinators, then becomes pendulous again until the seed head ripens, at which time it becomes erect again, exposing the seed head to the best possible wind exposure. The 'flower' is a yellow head of florets, reminiscent of a dandelion. The seed heads ripen to a cluster of fluffy, tan achenes, each having a crown of fine
extensions called a pappus. Seed dispersal is by wind.
Cultivation and uses
The species has edible tuberous roots and was once an important source of food for people of AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
. The introduction of cattle, sheep and goats by Europeans led to the near extinction of Murnong, with calamitous results for Aborigines who depended upon Murnong for a large part of their food. Murnong was prepared by roasting or pit baking; the taste is described as "sweet with a flavour of coconut".