Platysace deflexa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Platysace deflexa
Scientific classification
Genus:	Platysace
Species:	deflexa

Platysace deflexa, known by its Noongar name Youlk or as Ravensthorpe radish, is a cool little shrub. It only grows in the southwest part of Western Australia.

What is the Youlk Plant?

The Youlk plant is a small shrub that lives for many years. It usually grows about 20 to 50 centimeters (8 to 20 inches) tall. It can spread out to about 1 meter (3 feet) wide. In the summer, you can see its pretty white flowers.

Youlk plants are super tough! They can grow in many different types of soil. This includes sandy places where the soil doesn't have many nutrients. You can find them naturally from Albany in the west to Ravensthorpe and Esperance in the east of Western Australia.

One of the most interesting things about Youlk is what grows underground. It has roots that produce special parts called tubers. These tubers look a bit like small potatoes. The same Youlk plant can keep growing new tubers throughout its whole life.

Youlk: A Tasty Treat!

The Youlk plant is very special because its tubers are edible. For a long time, these tubers have been a traditional food for the Noongar people. They are the Indigenous people of Western Australia.

You can harvest Youlk tubers all year round. It's a bit like harvesting sweet potato. As long as you don't take too many from the main plant, it will keep growing more.

Youlk tubers have a crisp texture. You can use them in many ways, just like you would use regular potatoes. Some farmers are now trying to grow Youlk plants to sell. This includes businesses run by Indigenous communities. You can even buy Youlk plants at garden centers in Western Australia since 2019.