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Description
Spinifex Littoreus, also known as beach spinifex or coastal spinifex, is a native Australian grass that grows in sand dunes along the coast. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall and spreads with long runners. The plant is drought tolerant and can withstand salt spray and strong winds. It is an important plant for stabilizing sand dunes and preventing coastal erosion.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Spinifex |
Appearance
Spinifex Littoreus has long, narrow, and tough leaves that are blue-green in color. The plant produces long runners that can root at the nodes to form new plants. The flowers are small and inconspicuous and are borne on spikes that can reach up to 40 cm long. The seeds are enclosed in a hard capsule that can be dispersed by wind or water.
Care Guide
Spinifex Littoreus prefers well-drained sandy soil and full sun. It is drought tolerant and can withstand salt spray and strong winds. Water the plant deeply but infrequently to promote deep root growth. Fertilization is not necessary as the plant can obtain nutrients from the sand. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spinifex Littoreus is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections in humid conditions.
Habitat
Spinifex Littoreus is native to Australia and is found along the coast in sand dunes. It is an important plant for stabilizing sand dunes and preventing coastal erosion. The plant is also used for landscaping in coastal areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Spinifex Littoreus grow in shade?
A: No, Spinifex Littoreus requires full sun to grow.
Q: How often should I water Spinifex Littoreus?
A: Water the plant deeply but infrequently to promote deep root growth.
Q: Is Spinifex Littoreus a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Spinifex Littoreus is an important plant for stabilizing sand dunes and preventing coastal erosion.
Q: Does Spinifex Littoreus require fertilization?
A: No, fertilization is not necessary as the plant can obtain nutrients from the sand.
Related Plants
- Spinifex Sericeus
- Spinifex Hirsutus
- Spinifex Longifolius
References
- “Spinifex littoreus.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Accessed August 23, 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/s-lit.html.
- “Spinifex littoreus.” Florabase: The Western Australian Flora. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/21794.
- “Spinifex littoreus.” PlantNet. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Spinifex~littoreus.
