The yam daisy, also known by its Woi-wurrung name murnong, has roots in Melbourne’s history – literally!
Known for its yellow, star-shaped flowers, beneath the soil, its edible tubers were once an important food source for Kulin peoples. Before colonisation, you could guarantee a bountiful murnong harvest in the fertile plains of the areas we now call Batman’s Hill, Royal Park, Fawkner Park and North Melbourne. The woodlands once in Parkville, Carlton and East Melbourne were also known murnong territory. Today, the murnong is found in the temperate lowlands of Victoria, Tasmania and Australia’s south and east coasts, with the shape and size of its tasty tubers varying depending on location. A resourceful beauty, its leaves are also great for salads.
The murnong is part of the daisy family (Asteraceae). Like the billy-button and swamp everlasting, the murnong’s vibrant bloom is actually a tight cluster of tiny flowers that collectively appear as one. From July to November, it’ll shine in golden glory for a day or two, close and later reopen as a fluffy head of seeds – like a dandelion.
The perennial murnong thrives in well-drained soil, full to partial sun and can be grown in pots – just give it light and keep it away from snails and slugs.
Coming soon
As the Bunurong people’s potato, the murnong is a superstar of the staple food pantry. With a large, delicious tuber, packed full of good starches and carbohydrates, it’s turnip-like flavour was enjoyed roasted, or sometimes raw. Once again, the bagurrk (women) were the gardeners of the yam daisy, digging through the soil with their kanaan, harvesting and preparing the gardens for the next season’s germinations, always leaving tubers behind for sustainable growth.
When flowering, the daisy petals and leaves were also edible. For our native blue-banded bees, hoverflies and gnats, the pollen is likewise delicious.
‘Murnong was once an important staple food for some First Peoples before colonisation and introduced grazing animals caused its widespread decline. When I think about this plant, it feels like a symbol of resilience - and a reminder of the deep knowledge systems and unbroken connection to Country held by First Peoples. For me, it’s a meaningful way to reflect on Melbourne’s history and the living strength of First Peoples cultures.’
‘A plant that was used by Aboriginal people until the mid-1840s, because it's an edible it's a bit fussy. A wonderful plant adored by pollinators.’
‘A 'sweet' but vunerable flower with edible leaves and tubers. Love the direct connection to the Kulin people as a historically important food source.’
‘A really important species to Traditional Owners as it was used as a food source.’
'A culturally important food plant for the peoples of the Kulin Nation. This plant's distribution and abundance is deeply connected to caring for Country practices. Similar to the swamp everlasting- the opportunity to see this species once again become really widespread across Melbourne would be amazing.'
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.
We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.
