Spinifex

Spinifex, also known as Triodia, is a type of long patchy grass that grows in arid regions and is most common in the bush.

General
The Spinifex has needle-shaped, pointed leaves which are between thirty to forty centimetres long and three to four centimetres wide. The leaf tips (high in silica) are prickly and can break off in the skin of any creature unlucky enough to brush up against them, leading to infections. The plant has either a yellow or a green-blue colouring.

The roots grow as deep as two meters into the ground, allowing the plant to reach deep underground water sources. Spinifex grows into thick bunches which provide shelter to several different animal species.

Usage
Spinifex has many uses for the races of Astrohanasia. Its seeds for example are used as a source of food. First the dry seeds are harvested by beating the Spinifex with a stick to dislodge the seeds. Then the seeds are winnowed multiple times with a coolamon to remove any chaff that might have stuck to the seeds. These seeds can either eaten by themselves, or grounded and dried. When done so the seeds also release a liquid which can be drunk as a water supplement. After the drying process this Spinifex flour can be used to make highly nutritious Bush Bread.

The resin of the Spinifex can be used as a powerful adhesive, which can be used to make spears. Burning the Spinifex itself produces a strong black smoke, which can be used to communicate with families and groups a long distance away via smoke signals.

The harder breeds of Spinifex can be used for thatching roofs and can be bunched together to trap fish against creek beds.