prickle
plant anatomy
Quick Summary
Prickles are sharp, pointed structures that emerge from the epidermis or cortex of a plant. They serve as a defense mechanism, protecting the plant from animals that might be attracted to it. While often referred to as thorns, prickles are distinct from true thorns. Roses, for example, have prickles, not thorns, which help deter herbivores. The term "prickle" can also refer to a prickling or tingling sensation on the skin.12
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