Triodia

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Triodia (family Gramineae) A genus of coarse grasses that are similar in superficial appearance to Spinifex and are commonly known as such. They form tussocks, usually 50 cm in height and 0.5–1 m wide. The leaves are softly hairy on the sheath and edges, but hairless at the apex. They are strongly nerved, with needle-like, rigid blades. The flower panicle is usually loose and nodding. There are 35 species, all endemic (see ENDEMISM) to Australia, with little agricultural value. T. basedowii (lobed spinifex) is the most common grass of the central Australian grassland communities on sand plains.