Hummock Grass / Soft Spinifex - Triodia pungens (Tjinalpa) seeds

Soft Spinifex (Triodia pungens)
A resilient, clumping grass native to Central Australia, valued for its ornamental, ecological, and practical uses.

Quick Facts

• Height & Spread: Grows to 80 cm tall and forms straggly hummocks up to 2 meters across.
• Stems: Smooth, slender, and coated with resin.
• Soil: Thrives in arid, sandy soils; drought-tolerant once established.
• Position: Prefers full sun; adaptable to harsh, dry environments.
• Seed Heads: Spear-shaped on single spikes.
• Habitat: Common across Central Australia's arid regions; ideal for erosion control and ornamental landscapes.

Why Grow Soft Spinifex?

Soft Spinifex is a versatile and hardy plant, suitable for arid and challenging conditions. Its seeds offer nutritional value, while its resin and fibers have both traditional and modern applications.

Bush Food Note

Soft Spinifex seeds, traditionally known as tjinalpa, were a vital food source:

• Seeds:
  • Energy-dense (1615 kJ/100 g) and low in fat (5.6 g/100 g).
  • Ground into flour and made into seedcakes (nyuma) for food.

Other Traditional Uses

• Resin:
  • Used as an adhesive for spears, axes, and housing.
  • Burned to produce black smoke for communication.
• Fibers:
  • Stems, leaves, and stolons were woven into baskets and used to make string and cordage.
• Modern Research:
  • Resin properties are being explored as a termite-resistant timber coating.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Sow seeds in sandy, well-drained soil.
   • Cover lightly with soil and water gently.

2. Position:

   • Best planted in full sun.
   • Ideal for erosion stabilization and harsh landscapes.

3. Care Tips:

   • Minimal maintenance required once established.
   • Drought-tolerant but may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
   • Prune lightly to maintain shape if needed.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Grow a unique plant with edible seeds.
• Erosion Control: Stabilizes sandy soils in arid environments.
• Ornamental Value: Adds bold texture and visual interest to feature landscapes.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and seeds for native fauna.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Seeds germinate best in warm, sunny conditions.
• Preparation: No pre-treatment required; sow directly into sandy soils.
• Watering: Keep soil moist during germination but avoid waterlogging.

Order Now

Introduce the hardy and multifunctional Soft Spinifex into your garden or landscape. With its edible seeds, ornamental beauty, and practical applications, this iconic Australian grass is a valuable addition to arid and native environments.

Order your Soft Spinifex seeds today and cultivate a plant rich in history and utility!