Spinifex and pingao are both types of native grasses that grow in coastal dune areas of New Zealand. Here are similarities and 2 tips to tell if you are looking at spinifex or pingao.
New Zealand has kilometer after kilometer of beautiful coastline. Some of the coasts are rugged with cliffs and boulders. Others are the idyllic sand beaches that people dream about spending their holiday visiting. Some of those sand beaches are backed by dunes that are covered in grasses. Two of the most important native plants that hold the sand in place along these coastal dunes are spinifex and pingao.
Spinifex Or Pingao – How Are They Alike?
Both spinifex and pingao are low growing, spreading grasses. They are both found in coastal dune areas of the north island and the top of the south island.
Both grasses send out long runners along the sand. This helps to stabilize the sand.
A final feature they share is that they leave lots of open areas in the sand and don’t completely take over an area. These open areas are important for other plants, insects, and reptiles.
Spinifex Or Pingao – 2 Tips To Tell Them Apart
Color – What Color Is The Grass?
Spinifex appears to be a grey/green in color.
In contrast, pingao is more of a yellowish/orangish to golden green in color.
Seeds – What Do The Seeds Look Like?
Spinifex seeds grow on unique looking spiky clusters. These clusters are most easily distinguished because they are free from the main plant when mature. Yep, these spiky seed clusters look like little spiky balls that roll along the beach. They are designed to be blown by the wind, thereby spreading the seeds to a new location.
Pingao seeds grow on a tall stalk that comes from the grass. They are a spiky flower and then seed stalk from which the seeds are dispersed by the wind.