Microseris procera

A.Gray.

Yam Daisy

Asteraceae Edible: Root

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Meise Botanic Garden

gbif· cc-by

Meise Botanic Garden

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Delaware State University, Claude E. Phillips Herbarium (DOV-)

Description

Microseris procera 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 Uses

Gum. Root - raw. A gum obtained from the juice (sap?) is chewed.

Distribution

Western N. America - Washington to California.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The plant is very variable in the wild. See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring might be possible.