Murnong Yam Daisy (𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘢)
Microseris scapigera or Murnong is a type of Yam Daisy. For the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and other Aboriginal groups in south-eastern Australia, the Murnong has been an important cultural food source for thousands of years. But today only three populations are remain in Melbourne, and we visit one on the banks of the Merri Creek.
Since the 1990’s the Merri Creek Management Committee has been trying to conserve the last remaining Murnong populations. But, until recently, they have had little success. The populations rely on active management to keep them alive.
Over years of missteps, mistakes and occasional breakthroughs, the Merri Creek Management Committee has worked with traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, to learn what this species requires. It was less to do with the plant and more about the special relationship with people, in this place.
The creators hope this story goes a little way to acknowledging the need to place cultural knowledge as core to conservation planning and developing 'right-way' projects.
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Supported by: Australian Network for Plant Conservation and Ross Trust
Interviewees: Brian Bainbridge, Michael Longmore and Charley Woolmoore
Produced in collaboration with the Merri Creek Management Committee, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Joe’s Market Garden (CERES) .
Supported by NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub, University of New South Wales & University of Melbourne.