Cenchrus longispinus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cenchrus longispinus |
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| Cenchrus longispinus | |
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Cenchrus
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longispinus
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Cenchrus longispinus is a type of grass often called spiny burr grass or gentle Annie. It's known for its special fruits called "burrs." These burrs have very sharp, spiky parts that can stick to things.
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What is Spiny Burr Grass?
Spiny burr grass is a plant that grows in many places. It gets its name from its unique seeds. These seeds are grouped together into small, round balls called burrs. Each burr is covered in many sharp, barbed spines.
The Spiky Burrs
The spines on the burrs are like tiny hooks. They are designed to easily attach to fur, clothing, or skin. When animals walk through areas with this grass, the burrs can stick to their fur. They can even get stuck in an animal's mouth if they try to eat the grass. This can cause pain and discomfort for the animals. For people, these burrs often get caught in socks, pants, or shoelaces. They can be quite annoying to remove!
Where Does This Grass Grow?
This grass originally comes from North America. You can find it naturally growing in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. However, spiny burr grass has also spread to other parts of the world.
Spreading to New Places
When a plant grows somewhere it didn't originally come from, it's called an introduced species. Spiny burr grass has been introduced to places like Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In these new areas, it can become a problem. It is sometimes called a "noxious weed." This means it's a plant that can harm crops, animals, or the environment. It can grow very fast and take over areas where other plants used to grow.
