| Triodia | ||||||||||||
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 Triodia pungens (green) and Triodia basedowii (blue-grey)
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Triodia is a large genus of tussock-forming grass (Bunch grass) endemic to Australia; they are commonly known as spinifex, although they are not a part of the coastal genus Spinifex.
Triodia is a perennial Australian grass which grows in arid regions and has awl-shaped, pointed leaves.
Spinifex has traditionally had many uses for Australian Aborigines. The seeds were collected and ground to make seedcakes. Spinifex resin was an important adhesive used in spear-making. Smoke signals were made to communicate with families and groups a long distance away, as burning spinifex produces a strong black smoke.
Reference
- Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. 1992 onwards. The grass genera of the world: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval; including synonyms, morphology, anatomy, physiology, phytochemistry, cytology, classification, pathogens, world and local distribution, and references. Version: 28th November 2005
External link
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