Porcupine Grass
Triodia irritans
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Triodia irritans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry inland areas. Sandplains and rocky hillsides in red/grey sandy soils.
Australia - New South Wales.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The plant yields a resin.
Resin: Used in perfumery, medicines, paints, soap making etc. This also includes turpentine, which is extracted from many resins and used as a preservative, water proofer etc,
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain. However, it is hardy to about -7°c in Australian gardens, though this cannot be applied directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer, colder, wetter winters. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist