Cenchrus echinatusCommon name: Burrgrass

Meaning of name: Cenchrus is from the Greek word cegchros, which is a type of millet. Echinatus is the Latin word meaning hedgehog. Botanically it refers to having prickles like a hedgehog.

Distribution: Occurs on disturbed ground and road verges in the Pilbara region and southwest of Western Australia.

Remarks: An annual to 1 metre tall. The purple flower spike is produced for much of the year. Native to North and South America.

References: Western Weeds, A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. BMJ Hussey, GJ Keighery, J Dodd, SG Lloyd, RD Cousens. 1997.

Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.
Description and key to the identification of Grasses in South-Western Australia. JG Paterson. 1992.

Florabase https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/259