Microseris lanceolata
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Microseris lanceolata

Native Yam · Yam · Yam daisy · Black fellow's yam · Murnong

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 7–10
Click count
14
Observations
3

Description

Source: leafsnap

Microseris lanceolata is an Australian alpine herb with yellow flowers and one of three plants known as murnong or yam daisy along with Microseris scapigera and Microseris walteri.The plant is found in southern parts of Australia, including Victoria, NSW and ACT. In Victoria, the plant is confined to alpine and subalpine herbfields of the eastern ranges, and often locally plentiful. Microseris walteri and Microseris scapigera are found in lower altitude areas. Commercial plant nurseries will often mislabel a Microseris scapigera plant with the name of Microseris lanceolata, because the binomial name was only clarified in recent years. Literature about Murnong often misidentifies Microseris lanceolata as having a sweet-tasting tuber, but this refers to the Microseris walteri plant.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Yam daisy is native to habitats with abundant sunlight, such as open fields and sunny meadows. It prefers full sun, though it can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Yam daisy prefers moderate temperatures, similar to those most people find comfortable. It grows best in conditions that are neither overly hot nor too cold. The primary problem with high temperatures is the danger of sunburn, so providing some shade in summer is recommended to prevent excessive heat. When temperatures fall, yam daisy becomes dormant. If continuous growth is wanted, higher temperatures must be maintained through winter. Frost can damage the plant and should be avoided.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Yam daisy plants benefit from one or two applications of organic fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus. Apply the fertilizer before planting, work it into the soil and water thoroughly. Usually one application is enough, but a second can be applied once seedlings are established. Avoid overusing fertilizer to prevent damage to the plants.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The yam daisy is a plant known for its bright yellow flowers and edible tubers. It requires minimal pruning to thrive. Trim the plant in early spring to remove any dead stems and encourage new growth. Be careful not to prune too heavily, as this helps preserve its foliage. Additionally, regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period and maintain the plant's health, appearance, and productivity.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Microseris
Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
20 cm to 40 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Summer

Tags (6)

Common Names (7)

en Native Yam
en Yam
en Yam daisy
en Black fellow's yam
en Murnong
en Native Dandelion
en Native yum