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Sandstone spinifex

Sandstone spinifex

Triodia melvillei

Family: Poaceae

Prickly, hummock forming perennial grass growing to 1.5m when in flower.

Considered a soft spinifex, it is attractive when the seed heads are present.

Aboriginal people used the resin found on the leaves of this spinifex to make a cementing substance.

Found in Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia on dunes and rocky hills. In the Northern Territory, it occurs on the James, Krichauff, George Gill and Petermann Ranges.

Where to find this plant at Alice Springs Desert Park

Only a few plants on the western side of the path amongst the Acacia peuce at the Sand Country boundary with the Woodland habitat.

Source:
Jessop, J. (ed), 1981. Flora of Central Australia, A. H. & A. W. Reed Pty Ltd, Sydney
Latz, P., 1996. Bushfires and bushtucker, IAD Press, Alice Springs

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