Spinescens
/spy-NES-enz/🏷️ Taxonomy●●● Advanced
A morphological epithet describing a plant that develops spines — typically applied to plants where spine formation is progressive, occurring as the plant matures or in response to browsing pressure. Distinct from spinosus (consistently and thoroughly spiny). Appears as spinescens (both genders).
Etymology
From Latin spinescens, present participle of spinescere (to become thorny), from spina (spine, thorn).
Example
“Acacia spinescens and certain Lycium species develop their spines progressively with age, the epithet recording that spininess is an acquired or increasing rather than constant characteristic.”