Beach Spinifex

Spinifex sericeus

Plant Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

This stoloniferous, perennial grass is a primary coloniser and dominant native species of our coastal sand dunes; particularly the foredune where its long stolons can be readily observed gaining a foothold on mobile, bare sands. Leaves are densely hairy, flat to loosely inrolled and silvery in appearance.Flowers are dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants. These appear in spring through to summer with the male flowers erect, narrow and brown whilst the female flowers produce a spherical structure which breaks free at maturity and are usually seen rolling down the beach

Size

Branched stolons and rhizomes extending from to 1 - 2 metres

Habitat

Strictly coastal where it is confined to sandy beaches It is usually found at the front of actively accumulating foredunes. Its does not tolerate stable dune systems and does not compete well with other introduced dune plants

Distribution

Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Tonga

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. Surf Coast Nature Search (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © wildroo

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.