Cenchrus longispinus

Cenchrus longispinus is a species of grass, also known as spiny burr grass or gentle Annie or picco. Its fruits are clumped into "burrs" with sharp, barbed spines that can penetrate the hides and mouth of grazing animals. They can also become lodged in human clothing and skin, causing some discomfort.^[2] This activity is important for the plant's seed dispersal, as the plant is a summer annual. ^[3] The species has a prostrate habit when there is no competition for light.

Cenchrus longispinus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Subfamily:	Panicoideae
Genus:	Cenchrus
Species:	C. longispinus
Binomial name
Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fern.
Synonyms[1]
Cenchrus echinatus f. longispinus Hack. Cenchrus echinatus var. longispinus (Hack.) Jansen & Wacht. Cenchrus pauciflorus var. longispinus (Hack.) Jansen & Wacht.

The species is native to North America and is considered as a noxious weed in Europe, Australia and New Zealand where it was introduced.^{[1][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}