Australian researchers have stumbled across a species of grass that shares a remarkable resemblance to one of the nation's favourite salty snacks.

University of WA research scientist Matthew Barrett and PhD student Ben Anderson were inspecting patches of spinifex grass in Perth one evening when they discovered that one specimen of the vegetation tasted of salt and vinegar chips.

"We were doing late night experiments, handling specimens of that species," Dr Barrett told ABC.

View photos Scientists have discovered a unique-tasting specimen of spinifex grass. Source: Getty (stock image) More

"Someone licked their hand at some point and tasted that flavour."

Dr Barrett said the distinctive taste was the result of tiny drops of liquid that "sparkle" in the sunlight.

View photos According to researchers, the grass tasted of salt and vinegar chips. Source: Getty More

"It looks pretty inconspicuous when you first get to it, but if you look at it very closely it has very, very minute sparkling droplets on the stems," he said.

"When you lick them, they taste like salt and vinegar chips."

Despite the unique taste, Dr Barrett has recommended members of the public don't start licking species of spinifex in a bid to find the newly discovered Triodia scintillans specimen.

Spinifex grass covers nearly 30 per cent of Australia's outback while the bizarre-tasting grass was one of eight specimens discovered by the team.