which plant has thorns and prickles

Do plants have thorns and prickles?

Plants have evolved all sorts of wickedly clever defense mechanisms, and the most primal—and effective—are thorns, prickles, and spines. Spiky plants can be a hassle for maintenance and pruning, but when it comes to your personal home security, these masters of pain handily defend property lines and first-floor windows.

What plants have thorns on them?

1 Holly. When you think of holly, you're certain to conjure images of the plant's evergreen leaves and red fruit, but do you consider its thorns? 2 Agave. ... 3 Acacia. ... 4 Blackberry. ... 5 Bougainvillea. ... 6 Crown of Thorns. ... 7 Firethorn. ... 8 Honey Locust. ... 9 Oregon Grape. ... 10 Porcupine Tomato. ... More items...

What kind of plants have prickles?

Technically speaking, many plants commonly thought of as having thorns or spines actually have prickles. Roses, for instance, have prickles. Raised prickles on the stem of Caesalpinia decapetala. Rose prickles.

What plant has prickles?

For example, in the Rose Family (Rosaceae), the hawthorns (members of the genus Crataegus) exhibit thorns (derived from stem tissue), while roses (members of the genus Rosa) and plants in the genus Rubus (blackberries, et al.) have prickles (derived from epidermis).

What plants use thorns?

Trees with ThornsHolly. Source. People often think of hollies as shrubs, but that only applies to certain cultivars. ... Hawthorn. Source. ... Locust. Source. ... Natal Plum. Source. ... Pyracantha. Source. ... Silverthorn. Source. ... Bougainvillea. Source. ... Brambles. Source.More items...

What plant has prickly leaves?

Spinose apical processes – Yet other plants, such as Agave, Sansevieria, and Yucca species, have sharp tips (terminal spines) on the ends of their leaves.

What plant has spines and thorns?

In cacti, the entire leaf of the plant is transformed into a spine.

What is the name of thorny plants?

crown of thorns, (Euphorbia milii), also called Christ thorn, thorny plant of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native to Madagascar. Crown of thorns is popular as a houseplant and is grown in warm climates as a garden shrub.

Why are plants prickly?

Although it has been shown that in some plant families, such as cacti, spines arose primarily as a mechanism to reduce water loss from leaves, most plants that have spines use them to protect themselves from hungry animals.

What type of tree has thorns?

Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), also known as thorny locust or thorn tree, is a medium sized tree with pleasing, graceful foliage.

What is the name of a prickly bush?

Hawthorns: A Prickly Shrub or Tree Shrubs adapt to their environments in a variety of ways, and some developed prickly stems or leaves during their evolution. Sharp, thorny foliage helps prevent grazing by deer, rabbits or other wildlife that like to dine on landscape plants.

What flowers have prickly leaves?

Prickly plants Roses (Rosa spp.) Sea holly (Eryngium spp.) Hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum spp.)

Do blackberries have thorns or prickles?

Thorns are modified branches, spines are modified leaves, and prickles come from the outer layer of the plant. Hawthorn, barberry, gooseberry, bougainvillea and pyracantha have thorns. Roses and blackberries have prickles.

Is cactus a thorn or spine?

Does the Cactus Plant Have Thorns, Prickles, or Spines? Most cactus species do not have leaves and are covered with spines that are modified leaves. These spines grow from structures called areoles. They help the plant in conserving water as well as defending against herbivores.

What are the prickles on a cactus called?

Most cactus species don't have true leaves or branches. Instead, they have highly modified branches called areoles – the tiny bumps that spines grow from. The spines of a cactus are highly modified leaves.

What Are Thorny Bushes

Thorny bushes are prickly or spiky plants that make ideal privacy hedges or living screens. Growing thorny plants as a yard barrier can deter humans or animals from entering your property. In addition, many ornamental shrubs have long, sharp spines—so they are visually appealing and provide a practical security solution.

Why Plant Thorny Bushes as Defensive Plants

Tall spiky plants around your yard’s perimeter are the ultimate deterrent. Not only do spiky security plants deter would-be burglars, but they also keep out unwanted wildlife. For example, it’s not always practical to erect tall fences to deer-proof your garden. Or other plant-eating pests such as rabbits get through small gaps in walls and fences.

Where to Grow Prickly Plants and Thorny Shrubs

Growing prickly shrubs and thorny plants requires some thought as to where to plant them. It is best to leave some space between the spiked bushes and pathways or around your lawn. After all, you don’t want kids or pets to injure themselves on sharp, vicious shrub spines.

Other Benefits of Thorny Bushes in Your Garden

Planting thorny perimeter hedges along fences, walls, and your property have more benefits than just a defensive mechanism. A spiky living hedge is easier to maintain than repairing a damaged fence. Apart from pruning once a year, a low-maintenance thorn bush needs little care to grow well.

How to Handle Thorny Shrubs and Spiky Plants

Growing spiky shrubs and thorny plants in your garden requires great care. Prickly bushes can have long, stiff, sharp, vicious-looking spines that can puncture the skin. Also, some defensive plants have irritants in their thorns. So, it’s always wise to use protective gear when handling a thorn bush.

How to Identify Bushes with Thorns

Thorny growth on shrubs can help identify the species of ornamental plants. Shrub identification is often done by looking to see if the plant has thorns or spines on the stem.

Types of Thorny Bushes (With Pictures)

Let’s look in more detail at the different types of thorn bushes you can grow as security bushes or defensive plants.

What flowers attract hummingbirds?

To attract hummingbirds, consider fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum). Red, pendulous flowers have a high-sugar-content nectar. Branches are well-supplied with thorns on this 4- to 6-foot-tall drought-tolerant California native that grows in USDA zones 6 through 10.

What zone is prickly poppy?

Large, crinkly-petaled white flowers appear in summer on prickly poppy (Argemone spp.), hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11. The more than 30 species are either annual or perennial, with stems and leaves covered with various sizes of thorns.

How tall is a floss silk tree?

Growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, the tree can reach 50 feet tall and has large, showy red to pink flowers and deciduous medium-green compound leaves. Tree bark starts out green and changes to gray with age.

How tall is a coral tree?

The coral tree reaches 20 feet high with a rounded or umbrella-shaped canopy. Curved thorns appear on the leaf petioles and along the underside of the leaf veins. To pick Lisbon lemons, (Citrus x limon "Lisbon"), you have to avoid the large, plentiful green thorns on the branches.

What is the color of the bark on a coral tree?

Tree bark starts out green and changes to gray with age. Coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli) also has a thick trunk, with reddish-brown furrowed bark, dark-green leaves and brilliant red-orange, pea-shaped showy flowers. It grows in USDA zones 8 through 10.

How tall do orange shrubs grow?

Shrubs. For an impenetrable barrier hedge, closely plant a row of trifoliate orange (Choisya trifoliata), a large shrub growing 8 to 15 feet tall in USDA zones 5 through 9. Fragrant, showy clusters of white flowers appear in spring, followed by small yellow, fragrant fruits in fall.

Is prickly poppy perennial or annual?

The more than 30 species are either annual or perennial, with stems and leaves covered with various sizes of thorns.

Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

Of all the spiky weeds, thistles are probably the most recognizable. Bull thistles have spines that cover the leaves and stems of the weed up to the pink-purple flowers. They also have spiny bracts that grow beneath the flower head.

Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium)

Jimson weed is an invasive weed that’s a member of the nightshade family. It’s also known as thorn apple and devil’s snare.

Prickly Sida (Sida spinosa)

Does the weed have a spike at its leaf nodes? If the answer’s yes, then you might be looking at prickly sida.

Carolina horsenettle (Solanum carolinense)

Also called devil’s tomato, horsenettle is part of the nightshade family. The weed produces fruit that resemble small tomatoes. But be warned, horsenettle is a poisonous weed and the fruit is toxic to eat. Just handling the plant causes a rash for some people.

Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)

Common cocklebur has spines on its fruit. When the weed is mature, each fruit, called a bur, is about 2.5 cm long and covered with hook-shaped spines. The prickly burs easily hook onto your clothing or the fur of animals.

Goat Head Weed (Tribulus terrestris)

Goat head weed is also called devil’s thorn, puncturevine, and bindii. It’s notorious for the sharp barbs on its fruit. These vertical spikes resemble horns, and easily puncture thin shoes, bare feet, bicycle tires, and the hooves of animals. This allows the seeds to be carried to new locations. And so the plant spreads.

Lawn Burweed (Soliva sessilis)

One of the pleasures of having a lawn is feeling the grass under your bare feet. But you better be careful if lawn burweed is in your yard. This weed disperses prickly thorn balls that will give you a nasty surprise.

Why do locust trees have thorns?

Botanists say the thorns evolved to protect the tree from giant sloths and short-faced bears that roamed North America thousands of years ago. Although these pre-historical fauna are no longer around, the flora's deadly defenses still are.

How tall does Crown of Thorns grow?

Crown of Thorns. A great name for any death metal album, this climbing shrub grows 3 to 5 feet high and sends heavily armed branches in every direction. Originally from Madagascar, it usually needs support and looks for other plants or a fence to hold it up.

Why is the Crimson Summer Flower placed on Jesus' head?

Supposedly, a circle of Euphorbia was placed on Jesus' head to make the infamous "crown of thorns.". And this plant is evil all the way through, as its sap will irritate skin and can be toxic if ever ingested.

Why do holly trees have spines?

Meanwhile, the highest branches of mature holly trees completely lack the sharp appendages. These spines actually explain the plant's connection to Christmas. Originally, in pre-Christian times, pagans used the plants to ward off evil spirits and to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival.

Where do Acacia trees come from?

Acacia. Acacia trees are often associated with Australia, which makes sense—it takes a tough tree to survive in a tough land. But it's also native to Africa, and rumor has it that in Egypt, the leaves were ground up and used to treat hemorrhoids. But its the tree's limbs that hand out the most punishment.

Do roses draw blood?

Whatever type you grow—garden, climbing, ground cover—you'll get a beautiful flowering plant with unsurpassed irascibility. As you've likely experienced before, rose s draw blood, and they enjoy it. Trail climbers over fences and add garden roses and ground cover to the sunny sides of the house.

Do spiny plants protect property lines?

Spiny plants can be a hassle for maintenance and pruning, but when it comes to your personal home security, these masters of pain handily defend property lines and first-floor windows. 🌳 Nature is badass. Let's nerd out over our world together. As a bonus, most of the plants trick themselves out with delicate blossoms in spring ...

What is the name of the plant that has thorns?

Rose are one of the most common plants featuring thorns or prickles, and fruit, called rose hips. In addition to the fragrant flowers for which roses are famous, hips are produced on most varieties after flowering if left unpruned. The oil of rose hip seeds is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. As such, it has become a common ingredient in many skin cosmetics.

Why do plants have thorns?

Thorns, spines or prickles are an evolutionary adaptive mechanism developed by plants to defend their fruits from grazing animals, ensuring reproduction and survival. Many of these are suitable for the home landscape as ornamentals and as edible, fruit-producing plants.

What are some examples of fruiting vines?

Thorny Vines. Blackberry and prickly gooseberry are two examples of fruiting vines that exhibit thorns. Both plants are native to North America and are adaptable to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions, given that they receive at least six hours of sun daily. The fruits of each can be eaten fresh when ripe.

What zone is orange tree?

The hardy orange tree (Poncirus trifoliata) can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. It features fragrant spring flowers, edible fruit and a multitude of wicked 3-inch thorns when mature, making it a good choice as a safety hedge.

Where do quince trees grow?

Flowering quince trees and wild apple tree varieties feature intimidating thorns and delicious fruit. Flowering quince trees are native to Asia and cousins to orchard varieties and feature fragrant flowers in spring. Orchard cultivars produce sweet fruit appropriate for eating fresh, preserved or candied.

Where do prickly pear cactus grow?

The prickly pear cactus, also called Indian fig and beaver tail cactus, is native to the southwestern United States and Central America. Many varieties are suitable for growing in the home garden. Some are not freeze-tolerant, however, so choose carefully if winter freezes are common in your area. They feature large, showy flowers in differing colors and succulent, edible fruits.

What is the best fruit to eat in an orchard?

Orchard cultivars produce sweet fruit appropriate for eating fresh, preserved or candied. Wild apples are an important food source for wildlife and are also suitable for human consumption. Wild apple trees also feature a gorgeous display of spring blooms.

What is the name of the tree with prickles?

The stem of Ceiba insignis (silk floss tree), in the Desert Garden, showing bark with prickles. Photo by Sean Lahmeyer. Spines, the ones derived from leaves, show many variations worthy of note. Some spines, like those in the Fouquieria family (think of an Ocotillo plant from the Mojave Desert), are derived from leaf stalks.

What is a prickle made of?

Cross section of a prickle from a Ceiba insignis (silk floss tree). The entire structure is made up of rigid dermal tissue and is devoid of any characteristics of a leaf, stem, or root. Photo by Sean Lahmeyer. In The Huntington’s gardens, there are more plants with thorns than spines.

Why do prickles pop off?

Since prickles are sharp projections produced by the skin of a plant, they tend to pop off easily, as they do on rose bushes.

Why do plants have spines?

Although it has been shown that in some plant families, such as cacti, spines arose primarily as a mechanism to reduce water loss from leaves, most plants that have spines use them to protect themselves from hungry animals.

Do thorns have a hardened outer dermal layer?

Their thorns have a hardened outer dermal layer, instead of a stronger internal core, such as wood would provide. A comparison can be drawn to the hard coating, or exoskeleton, of an insect versus the bone, or endoskeleton, of a vertebrate animal—they are both adaptations for structural strength.

Do cacti have spines?

Acacia trees (in the bean family) have spines made of modified leaf stipules. There are also plants whose entire leaves have been converted into spines, as is the case with cacti. All of these spines are dead at maturity, full of fibers, and no longer capable of photosynthesis.

Does Cryosophila albida have a stem?

Indeed, a closer look under the microscope confirmed that the spiny structures on the stem of Cryosophila albida have the internal anatomy of a root, not a stem. Cross section of a Cryosophila albida root spine, with the addition of methylene blue dye for contrast. The internal anatomy matches that of a root, not a stem.

Overview

Definitions and technical distinctions

Pointing or spinose processes can broadly be divided by the presence of vascular tissue: thorns and spines are derived from shoots and leaves respectively, and have vascular bundles inside, whereas prickles (like rose prickles) do not have vascular bundles inside, so that they can be removed more easily and cleanly than thorns and spines.
Thorns are modified branches or stems. They may be simple or branched.

Description

Function

Evolution

Morphological variation

Human uses

See also