Grassland: Arid Grassland
Spinifex (species of Triodia) typically grows in rings, with old,
dead leaves to the centre and the new shoots on the perimeter. Patches between rings are usually completely bare.
Some grasses (family Poaceae), and other monocotyledons are sclerophylls. Much of arid Australia is covered by hummock grasslands. Spinifex is a common sclerophyllous grass. Leaves of such grasses have a number a features which minimise water loss under adverse conditions.
Species of Triodia are often seen growing in rings (as above). Each ring is one individual which started growing as a single tussock, and then spread out.