Triodia (grass)
| Triodia | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Triodia pungens (green) and Triodia basedowii (blue-grey) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Triodia R. Br. |
| Species | |
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See text |
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Triodia is a large genus of hummock-forming grass endemic to Australia; they are commonly known as spinifex, although they are not a part of the coastal genus Spinifex. There are currently 64 recognised species (Lazarides 1997). Many of the soft-leaved members of this species were formerly included in the genus Plectrachne.
Triodia is a perennial Australian grass which grows in arid regions and has awl-shaped, pointed leaves. The leaf tips (high in silica) can break off in the skin, leading to infections. Leaves are 30-40 centimetres long.
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.
The species Triodia wiseana is used for building shelters; bunched together it is used for trapping fish against creek beds. It is called Baru in the languages of the Yindjibarndi and Ngarluma people, the English term is Hard Spinifex.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Burndud (1990). Wanggalili; Yinjibarndi and Ngarluma Plants. Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation. p. 17.
- Lazarides, M. (1997). "A revision of Triodia including Plectrachne (Poaceae, Eragrostideae, Triodiinae)." Australian Systematic Botany 10: 381-489.
- 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: 28 November 2005
[edit] External links
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