THE GRASS FAMILY 



179 



sandy seashore of India is well acquainted with the spiny, bluish 

 grass Spinifex and its spherical inflorescences. Spinifex sometimes 

 covers the CTuter dunes in innumerable, apparently isolated tufts. 

 On closer examination it will be found that they are not single 

 but connected with one another by horizontal runners hidden 



Fig. 164. — Dunes with Spinifex squarrosus. 



under the sand, as thick as a goose-quill or a linger. These 

 produce roots and side-shoots at their nodes. The leaves owe 

 their pale colour to a thick coat of wax. 



2. Adaptations. — Spinifex is well adapted to its peculiar 

 habitat. The tixation of the plant in the loose subsoil, the 

 supply of water under adverse circumstances, the constant battle 

 against the sea-breeze to which it is exposed, as well as the tak- 

 ing advantage of this very breeze for the dispersal of its seeds, 

 are shown to great perfection in this plant. 



12* 



