Yam Daisy (Microseris scapigera)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweetish and moist with a coconut flavour. — Root - raw or cooked.; Sweetish and moist with a coconut flavour.; The root tastes like a sweet potato with an occasional hot taste.; It is said to be delicious.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassland and open places on North, South and Stewart Islands in New Zealand. Loamy soils or moist clay up to the montane and sub-alpine zones in Australia. Also found on salt pans. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)