Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Cenchrus spinifex Cavanilles
(Coastal Sandbur)

Family: Poaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Cenchrus incertus M.A. Curtis
Cenchrus pauciflorusBentham in part

Cenchrus spinifex is an annual grass with a spreading rather than upright growth habit. The barbed spines on the burs can inflict a painful wound. The spikelets are hidden within the armed burs.
Please click on an image for a larger file.

Cenchrus spinifex, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Burro Mtns., Mangas Cyn. Road, July 23, 2007

Cenchrus spinifex, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Tyrone, Aug. 12, 2008

Cenchrus spinifex, 1x macro of a spiny bur opened revealing a spikelet, photo Russ Kleinman, Mangas Springs, Aug. 27, 2009

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