About Cenchrus echinatus L.
Cenchrus echinatus L. is a grass species with common names including southern sandbur, spiny sandbur, southern sandspur, and Mossman River grass (the name it is known by in Australia). This species is native to North and South America. It is an annual, clump-forming grass that can grow up to 80 cm (31 inches) tall. Its leaves may have hairs or be hairless, and reach a maximum width of 12 mm (0.47 inches). The ligule of this grass takes the form of a fringe of hairs. Cenchrus echinatus produces barbed burrs that measure 4–10 mm (0.16–0.39 inches) long. In Australia, it grows as an invasive weed in coastal habitats. It is also an invasive species in New Caledonia, Tahiti, and Rarotonga.
