Etymology
Neurada possible from the Greek 'neuron' meaning nerve, sinew and 'aden' meaning gland. Procumbens from Latin meaning to lie along the ground; referring to the species habit.
Distribution and status
An introduced species native to North Africa, Mediterranean region, the Middle East to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and north-western India and recorded from the Simpson Desert in South Australia, growing on sand dunes. Also found in the Northern Territory. Introduced. Uncommon in South Australia. Uncommon the Northern Territory.
Herbarium region: Lake Eyre
NRM region: South Australian Arid Lands
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Procumbent herb with densely hairy stems arising from a central tap root. Leaves blue-green, oval-shape, to 25 mm long and 15 mm wide. Inflorescence solitary in leaf axils with small cream, greenish or pinkish flower. Fruits are woody hairy disc-shaped fruit with spines on the upper surface that becomes sharp when dried.