SPIKEY:

An interactive key to Triodia spinifex grasses of the Pilbara, Western Australia

Version 1, May 2017

Matthew D. Barrett, Benjamin M. Anderson, Kevin R. Thiele

Is it a Triodia?

Triodia can usually be distinguished from other grasses by its distinctive leaves that are thickened, tightly inrolled and needle-like leaves when dry. In many softer-leaved species the leaves or culms are often distinctly resinous, which is rare in other Australian grasses. However, a few species of Triodia look superficially similar to other genera, such as Leptochloa and certain needle-leafed Eriachne species (especially E. mucronata).

A typical Triodia plant.
Triodia look-alike Eriachne mucronata, note the needle-like leaves that are shorter than any Triodia species.

The following additional traits will help ensure that you have a Triodia species: