Rewilding involves returning native species to the places they should naturally be.  In our region, along with many parts of southeastern Australia, one of those species is Murnong, commonly known as yam daisy.

Murnong is a small native wildflower with edible tuberous roots and bright yellow flower. The tubers, or yams, are highly nutritious.

Murnong was once a significant food source for the people of this country, and cultivated fields of the plant would have been commonplace in this area. However it is very rare today due to grazing practices and the loss of traditional methods of caring for country.

First Nations people used cool fire and aeration of the soil to grow murnong and other useful plants. Yams were carefully harvested in spring by women and children using digging sticks. Each plant yielded two or three tubers; the ‘grandmother’ and the ‘child’ tuber were left while the ‘mother’ was gathered, allowing the plant to live and reproduce again the following year.

Parklands are pleased to be replanting Murnong into the regional bush parks this year. Propagated especially by Our Native Garden nursery over the summer months, ‘child’ tubers will be planted this winter and spring in an effort to return this once prolific plant to our local landscapes. 

You are welcome to join Parklands Albury Wodonga Rangers planting Murnong during our Caring for Country sessions – further details here.