kōwhangatara
Spinifex sericeus | kōwhangatara, spinifex
Spinifex is New Zealand’s most important native sand-binding grass, growing along the foredunes immediately behind the beach. With its long trailing runners, hairy silver-green leaves, and ball-like seed heads, it thrives in the harshest coastal conditions — shifting sand, salt spray, high winds, and blazing sun. Its vigorous rhizomes trap sand and hold it in place, giving dunes the strength to buffer both the force of the sea and water flowing from the land.
In coastal gardens and dune restorations, Spinifex is prized for its resilience and spreading habit. It quickly colonises raw sand, stabilising banks or exposed sites, and pairs well with other foredune natives such as pingao (Ficinia spiralis) and rauparaha (Calystegia soldanella)
typical habitat.
dunes
drainage.
dry
free draining
well drained
sun.
full sun
mature specifications.
height | 50cm
width | 1m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | September–December
fruiting | November–May
did you know?
Spinifex is dioecious — male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The female plants produce distinctive spiky seed heads that break off and tumble along the beach in the wind, scattering seeds as they roll like natural tumbleweeds.