Spinifex (plant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spinifex (plant) |
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| Spinifex longifolius Grant Marine Park Cottesloe, Western Australia. |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subtribe: | Cenchrinae |
| Genus: | Spinifex L. |
| Type species | |
| Spinifex squarrosus (syn of S. littoreus) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Spinifex is a type of grass that grows near the coast. It is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. These plants belong to the grass family.
Spinifex plants are very common in sand dunes. You can find them along the coasts of many places. These include Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Some types even grow as far north as India and Japan.
Spinifex grasses are super important for sand dunes. They help to hold the sand in place. This stops the sand from blowing away. Because of this, they are a key part of the whole sand dune environment. One type, Spinifex sericeus, grows in New Zealand and Australia.
What is Spinifex?
When people say "spinifex," they usually mean these coastal grasses. But sometimes, the word "spinifex" can be confusing. It is also used for another group of grasses called Triodia.
Triodia grasses are different from coastal Spinifex. They grow inland in Australia. Triodia plants have spiky leaves. They also grow in clumps, like a tussock. So, remember that coastal Spinifex and inland Triodia are not the same!
Types of Spinifex
There are several different kinds of Spinifex plants. Each one grows in specific areas. Here are some examples:
- Spinifex × alterniflorus - This type is found in Western Australia.
- Spinifex hirsutus - You can find this one in all six states of Australia.
- Spinifex littoreus - This type grows in many places. It is found in Western Australia (like Ashmore Reef). It also grows in New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. You can see it in Indochina, the Indian Subcontinent, and China. It even reaches Japan, including the Ryukyu Islands.
- Spinifex longifolius - This Spinifex is found in Thailand and Indonesia. It also grows in New Guinea and parts of Australia. These parts include Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia.
- Spinifex sericeus - This type is found in all six states of Australia. It also grows on Norfolk Island, in New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Tonga.
One plant, Spinifex paradoxus, is actually now called Zygochloa paradoxa.
