Spinifex

Spinifex

This harsh spiky grass is common throughout the drier regions growing in hummocks. At certain times of the year the plant produces a sticky sap which can be heated and used as a glue. It becomes very hard when cool. The young ground runners were pulverised to use as an antiseptic for cuts and burns. The grass was used for constructing shelters and windbreaks as well as a fire starter.