Despite the long term drought and the less than hospitable terrain, Yakkas and Spinifex make a beautiful combination.
Spinifex, or porcupine bush is something to avoid falling into. The sharp needle-like spears are particularly painful if they penetrate the skin. Tips broken off under the skin take quite a bit of dislodging.
However Spinifex is an important haven for small desert-living animals. The spears can contain an unexpected supply of water stored inside, considering the bushs’ outwardly parched appearance.
This is one variety confined to the stoney hills an valleys of the northern Flinders Ranges.
Other varieties are regarded as important stabilisers of dunes in sandy country.