A thorny problem
by Lewis, 26 June, 2020, 5 comments
When is a thorn a thorn, and not a spine or a prickle? Generally, these terms are used casually and interchangeably. Botanically speaking, they are all ‘spinose structures’ that is hard, rigid extensions or modifications of leaves, roots, or stems - all of which have sharp, stiff ends. They all have the same role - to deter animals from eating the plant that bears them. Spinescent is a term that describes plants that bear sharp structures that deter herbivory. Thorns, spines and prickles are mechanical defences as opposed to chemical defences, such as tannins and phenolics, which create an unpleasant taste.
However, there are differences between these ‘structures’. Read more...
