spinifex

spi·ni·fex  (spn-fks)

n.

Any of various clump-forming, perennial Australian grasses, chiefly of the genus Triodia, growing in arid regions and having awl-shaped, pointed leaves.

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[New Latin Spnifex, former genus name : Latin spna, thorn + Latin -fex; see dh- in Indo-European roots.]

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spinifex [ˈspɪnɪˌfɛks]

n

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) Also called porcupine grass Austral any of various coarse spiny-leaved inland grasses of the genus Triodia

2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any grass of the SE Asian genus Spinifex, having pointed leaves and spiny seed heads: often planted to bind loose sand

[from New Latin, from Latin spīna a thorn + -fex maker, from facere to make]