Forbs

Description.

A tufted herb reminiscent of a dandelion. Leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and may reach 30 centimetres in length. They frequently have prominent ëteethí on the margins. A single bright yellow flower head is produced, reaching 40 cm in height. As with the dandelion, this is followed by a fluffy crown of wind-dispersed seeds. An unusual feature of this species is the tendency of the flower head to droop when in bud and after pollination (but before seeds are ready). Dies back to a fleshy tuber after seed production.

Propagation.

Seed germinates well without treatment but has a narrow window of viability. Best sown 3-4 months after collection.

Flowering.

Chiefly October and November, but reported in summer and autumn also.

Locations.

Irregularly scattered across the region and never a dominant species. Example populations include Livingstone NP and SCA, Mates Gully TSR and Murraguldrie Flora Reserve.

Wiradjuri Name: Ngarridyu

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Utility.

Nothing recorded.

Food Uses*.

The roots of ngarridyu in one of the most important food sources for the Wiradjuri Nation. Wiradjuri people were known to cultivate large areas of land and plant ngarridyu to ensure a crop the following season

The roots have large tubers that can be eaten raw or roasted. It is described as having a coconut flavor and was used in a similar way as potato, providing a staple diet for aboriginal people.

* The critical factor in using plants for food is to avoid accidental poisoning. Eat only those plants you can positively identify and you know are safe to eat. All food details on this website are not based on toxicology reports or scientific knowledge, we make no claim to advice on bush survival in these information bites, only to represent the common perception.

Medicinal Uses.

Nothing recorded.