Looking for Yam Daisies

VicRoads are looking for sites where murnong is growing on the roadsides that they manage. There is project to provide some interpretive signage about the value of yam daisies. If you have current records or know of any  sites, please contact John Tunn, Safety, Environment & Quality Officer, VicRoads   john.tunn@roads.vic.gov.au

Sometimes it is easy to confuse a yam daisy with a flatweed. Yam daisies have finer leaves and the flower buds have a bend in the stem before they open up.

seedhead

nodding buds are a diagnostic feature

 

 

Are they Yam Daisies or just flatweeds?

Yam daisies may be difficult to identify

Yam daisies used to cover the Victorian Volcanic Plains but now they are seen less often. The species has edible tuberous roots and was once an important source of food for aboriginal people. The introduction of sheep and goats by Europeans had led to the near extinction of the yam daisy. It is also referred to by the common name of Murnong.

The leaves are just starting to appear now soon to be followed by the yellow daisy flowers. Many people have difficulty in telling the difference between flatweeds and yam daisies. The link below may be helpful. Flat weeds are very common in a range of vegetation communities.

This link has a useful key to assist with identification http://vro.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/sip_salt_native_yam