Dermatitis. 2009;20(2):63-78. Other plants known for their spines include Serenoa repens (family Arecaceae), a North American plant commonly known as saw palmetto (Figure 6). This palm gets its ...

Spinescence includes evolutionarily modified stems or leaves known as thorns or spines, respectively, or sharp extensions of the epidermis (i.e., the 'skin‘) known as prickles (Figure 3a ...

Large, fleshy stems to store water. Spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss and protect from grazing animals. Shallow, widespread roots to catch as much infrequent rainfall as possible.

The spines of a cactus are much better than flat leaves at preventing water being lost from the plant. The spines are also good protection from animals that might want to eat them. Living things ...