New Birriliburu spinifex species

A new species of tjanpi (spinifex) has been described and named after Birriliburu country! The scientific name for the new tjanpi is Triodia birriliburu.

Botanists spent time on country with Birriliburu Rangers in 2014 collecting specimens and sharing knowledge about the different kinds of plants found within the Birriliburu Indigenous Protected Area.

The new species is only found in a narrow area of the Little Sandy Desert Bioregion, most often occurring on sand dunes. It's listed as Priority 3 (poorly known) in Western Australia.

Two other special plant species from Birriliburu country include:

• Mitrasacme katjarranka which is named after Katjarra (Carnarvon Range) where it's found. It's a small herb with white flowers and is priority-listed in WA. This species was also named by the Rangers.
• Tetratheca chapmannii which is only found at Katjarra (i.e. it is a Birriliburu endemic). The purple lamp-shade flowers of this species can be spotted up high, clinging to the side of the stunning, red rocky outcrops that make up the Carnarvon Range. This is species is also priority-listed in WA.

Birriliburu Rangers are working to look after their country including the beautiful plants and animals that call it home. More on our Birriliburu partnership.