Indicator value
Hard spinifexes are desirable species in hard spinifex pastures and undesirable species elsewhere. They may be increaser species in other pastures. Hard spinifexes are considered desirable in hard spinifex pastures because they help to hold the soil together. More-palatable grasses and herbs may be scattered among the spinifex clumps or concentrated in drainage lines when these pastures are well managed and seasonal conditions are favourable.
Forage value
Hard spinifexes have little to no forage value. Cattle will occasionally eat the seed heads.
Habitat
Sandplains, rocky hills, limestone
General description
Hard spinifexes are hard, prickly, perennial grasses that form low hummocks. The leaves are sharply pointed and bluish green, range from 5 to 25cm in length and are 2mm wide. The seed stems stand erect and are about 60–70cm long. The seed head of desert hard spinifex (T. basedowii) is about 8–12cm long and contains 6–8 spikelets.