spinifex

Any of various clump-forming, perennial Australian grasses, chiefly of the genus Triodia, growing in arid regions and having awl-shaped, pointed leaves.

In Australia, any one of several species of grasses having stiff, sharp-pointed leaves or spiny flower-clusters, especially the two following, distantly related species: Spinifex hirsutus, the hairy spinifex or spiny rolling-grass. See under rolling-grass.

Triodia irritans, the desert spinifex, more often called porcupine-grass. See porcupine-grass, 2.

A genus of chiefly Australian grasses, the seeds of which bear an elastic spine. Spinifex hirsutus (black grass) and Spinifex longifolius are useful as sand binders. Spinifex paradoxusis a valuable perennial fodder plant. Also, a plant of this genus.

Any of several Australian grasses of the genus Tricuspis, which often form dense, almost impassable growth, their leaves being stiff and sharp-pointed.

An Australian coastal grass in genus Spinifex