The spiny rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens) is a small spreading shrub only found in Victoria. It is a winter flowering species with separate male and female plants.

The species is mostly found in native grasslands that occur on basalt-derived clay soils. It has a long taproot providing it with the carbohydrate reserves needed to re-sprout following fire.

Major threats

• Competition from non-native plant species
• Continued land clearing and soil disturbance
• Prolonged lack of fire eventually leads to plants being crowded out by native grasses and weeds

Key actions

• Work with landholders to protect and manage populations on private land
• Implement appropriate burning regimes
• Collect seed and grow plants to supplement declining populations