Spiny Burrgrass

There are multiple species of Spiny burrgrass in Australia, some of which overlap in their distribution. Each species produces spiny seeds that attach to almost anything and are surprisingly sharp. According to the website Weeds of Australia, Cenchrus longispinus is found mostly in the sub‑coastal areas of south‑eastern Australia (south‑eastern South Australia, north‑western Victoria and south‑western New South Wales). Scattered populations occur in southern Queensland, south‑western Western Australia, the ACT and southern parts of the Northern Territory. It is most commonly encountered in irrigated agricultural areas and along roadsides. Cenchrus spinifex is mostly found in eastern Australia (inland southern and central Queensland, New South Wales, ACT and northern Victoria), although some populations are found in southern parts of South Australia and in the coastal districts of south‑western Western Australia. It usually grows on sandy soils (roadsides, pastures, gardens, cultivation and natural areas). Cenchrus echinatus is a widespread species in northern and central parts of Australia (throughout Queensland, Northern Territory, western and northern parts of Western Australia, northern and eastern New South Wales and north‑western parts of South Australia). It is often found growing around footpaths, parks, lawns, roadsides, disturbed sites, orchards, waste areas, grasslands, open woodlands, waterways, wetlands, pastures and crops. Cenchrus setigerus, commonly known as Birdwood grass, is often found in grasslands and the understorey layer of savanna woodlands in northern Australia. Birdwood grass is also common in Western Australia coastal areas and in some inland areas of New South Wales. Allelopathic effects (reduced germination and growth of other plants) have been reported for some species of Cenchrus, including C. echinatus.