Appearance
A variable species, it has the form of a tufted rosette of toothed lanceolate leaves.The flower stalk is notable for its curious behaviour: pendulous before flowering, it becomes erect for flowering, lifting the flower to the attention of pollinators, then becomes pendulous again until the seed head ripens, at which time it becomes erect again, exposing the seed head to the best possible wind exposure.
The flower is a yellow head of florets, reminiscent of a dandelion. The seed heads ripen to a cluster of fluffy, tan achenes, each having a crown of fine extensions called a pappus. Seed dispersal is by wind.
Naming
A related species occurs in New Zealand, ''Microseris scapigera'', recognised now as the correct name for plants there. In Australia that name was used earlier.Uses
The species has edible tuberous roots and was once a vitally important source of food for peoples of Australia. Indigenous communities, particularly in the south-eastern parts of Australia, utilised advanced soil cultivation techniques to reduce erosion and improve crop yields.The introduction of cattle, sheep and goats by immigrating early–colonialist Europeans led to the near extinction of murnong, with calamitous results for first Australians' communities who depended upon murnong for a large part of their food.
Murnong was prepared by roasting or pit baking; the taste is described as "sweet with a flavour of coconut".
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