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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
Scientific Name: Microseris lanceolata
Common Name: highland yam daisy
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Asteraceae
Form Description: Perennial herb with fleshy edible tubers.
Height (m): 0.1 – 0.3
Flowers: Bright yellow daisy-like, solitary on long stalks. Flower head and bud droop downward.
Fruit: Achene – 8-10mm long with a hard, swollen base. Seeds with 14-24 pappus of flattened scales.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread and occasional in grasslands and open places from sea level to mountain plateaux.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Very susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Seed heads become fluffy and seed is dispersed on maturity.
Seed Treatment Method
Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.
Seed Storage Life
Short
Seed Treatment Notes
Seed has a 2-3 month after-ripening period. Sow in autumn. Surface sow or lightly cover. Usually has good results in 2-4 weeks although seed viability may vary. Stratification at 4°C for 2-3 weeks can improve results.