Triodia (plant genus)

Taxobox
name = "Triodia"

---

image_caption = "Triodia pungens" (green) and "Triodia basedowii" (blue-grey)
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Poales
familia = Poaceae
genus = "Triodia"
genus_authority = R. Br.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text

"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 65 recognised species (Lazarides et al. 2005).

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.

The species "Trioda wiseana" is used for building shelters; bunched together it is 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.Cite book|title=Wanggalili; Yinjibarndi and Ngarluma Plants|author=Burndud|publisher= Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation |date=1990|page = 17]

References

*Lazarides, M., Weiller, C.M. and McCusker, A. (2005) Triodia, In Flora of Aust. Vol. 44B

*Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. 1992 onwards. [http://delta-intkey.com/grass/www/triod-ss.htm 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 links

* [http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/ecology/rice/spinifex.htm Macquarie University]