spi·ni·fex 
(spīnə-fĕks′)
(spīnə-fĕks′)n.
Any of various clump-forming, perennial Australian grasses, chiefly of the genus Triodia, growing in arid regions and having awl-shaped, pointed leaves.
[New Latin Spīnifex, former genus name : Latin spīna, thorn + Latin -fex; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]