spinifex
noun
spi·ni·fex ˈspī-nə-ˌfeks 
: any of several Australian grasses (genera Spinifex and Triodia) with spiny seeds or stiff sharp leaves
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web During rare years with sustained downpours, moist swales are carpeted with spiky spinifex grasses that take on the appearance of fields of golden wheat. 
John Pickrell, Science | AAAS, 11 Aug. 2017
John Pickrell, Science | AAAS, 11 Aug. 2017 Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin spina + facere to make — more at do
First Known Use
1846, in the meaning defined above