Spiny Mat Rush (Lomandra longifolia) is a tough, grass-like ornamental plant with long, narrow, strap-shaped green leaves that form dense, fountain-like clumps. Despite its common name, it is not a true rush but belongs to the Asparagaceae family and functions as both a structural shrub and groundcover in landscape settings.

Native to Australia, Lomandra longifolia is found in a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, open forests, and rocky hillsides. It is known for its resilience, thriving in challenging environments such as dry slopes and roadside plantings. The plant produces small, fragrant, cream-yellow flowers on tall spikes, typically blooming in spring and summer.

Also called Basket Grass or Mat Rush, it has a history of traditional use by Indigenous Australians, who used its fibrous leaves for weaving baskets and nets. Lomandra longifolia is prized in modern landscaping for its drought tolerance, architectural form, and ability to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas.