Thanks Joe, but that isn't it either. I will try to get a better shot of the flower head tomorrow. In the meantime, I would describe it as similar looking to Fritillaria imerialis with the petals turned upwards instead of pointing down. The flower is terminal rosettes of green leafy parts (sepals?) with the yellow petals arising in between these clusters. There is no distinct individual flower except for the above. Gopal

Hi Flora and WW I looked at the plant more closely today and only this one had this strange head. There were a few other plants scattered about in the vicinity which have the same habit, leaf type etc. and all of those look normal like any other Compositae member. I have two sp. of Silphium in my backyard and this one doesn't resemble them. I read up about fasciation and by all accounts that is what it looks like. Would you know if that is a heritable trait among the Compositae? If so, I will collect the seeds. It sure looks neat. Thanks! Gopal

True Linda - they are not yellowthroats - only looked a bit like them. I saw one in Nova Scotia 2 years ago (attached) and was reminded of it.

Sorry Barbara you are so right my book "What flowers When" by Harry Oakman calls it that top name so I did a bit of Googling with no luck so just typed in Pavetta and it came up as a Native "Pavetta australiensis" a rainforest plant of the Brisbane area have a look at the link below..Cheers...MM. Here is a link that might be useful: Pavetta australiensis