Cenchrus longispinus

(Hack.) Fernald

Longspine Sandbur, Spiny burrgrass

Poaceae Edible: Seeds, Cereal 2,122 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cenchrus longispinus is a species of grass, also known as spiny burr grass or gentle Annie or picco. Its fruits are clumped into "burrs" with sharp, barbed spines that can penetrate the hides and mouth of grazing animals. They can also become lodged in human clothing and skin, causing some discomfort. This activity is important for the plant's seed dispersal, as the plant is a summer annual. The species has a prostrate habit when there is no competition for light. The species is native to North America and is considered as a noxious weed in Europe, Australia and New Zealand where it was introduced.

Description

A grass that lies over. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 80 cm high. The flowers are green. It produces a spiny burr. The spikelets are 5.8-7.2 mm long and have 40-70 spines on the burr. The spines are 7 mm long.

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten as cereal.

Distribution

It grows on grey sand. It grows in warm temperate places.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Australia, North America, South America, USA,

Notes

There are about 23 Cenchrus species.

References (6)

Duke, J.A., 1992, Handbook of Edible Weeds. CRC Press. p 66
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Cousens, R.D., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G., 1997, Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. Plant Protection Society of Western Australia. p 48
Lamp, C.A., Forbes, S.J. and Cade, J.W., 1990, Grasses of Temperate Australia. Inkata Press. p 106
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 53
Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 99

Show all 6 references