Spinosus
/spy-NOH-sus/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
Also known as: spinosa, spinosum
A morphological epithet describing a plant that is armed with spines — sharp, stiff, pointed outgrowths of the stem tissue (distinct from prickles, which arise from the bark). Plants with this epithet are often used as impenetrable hedges or defensive barriers. Appears as spinosus (masculine), spinosa (feminine), or spinosum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin spinosus, meaning "full of thorns" or "thorny," from spina (thorn, spine).
Example
“Berberis spinosa and Gleditsia triacanthos (honeylocust), sometimes called spinosa for its formidable trunk spines, both warn off browsers effectively.”