Surely you have noticed that some plants have thorns or spikes. The best known is the rose or rose, although there are many more, being possible to find bushes with thorns. The truth is that these thorns are more common and common than they appear. And, its presence is not chance. The thorns have their function and important role in the plant.
11 plants that have thorns
Here, we will explain the plants that have thorns. In addition to letting you know some main ones that have spikes so you know their main characteristics and basic care, they need to have them at home and look in all its splendor.
Here you have 11 plants that have thorns, which are frequent or very popular.
In nature, we can find various plants with spikes or thorny shrubs, which are present for several reasons. One of the causes that explain its appearance -perhaps the best known- is protection. That is, those plants that have spikes are because these spines act as a protective mechanism to deal with threats from animals-eat leaves or fruits or other plants.
But, in addition, there are other factors. And the spikes also prevent the evaporation of water. In this way, it is common for thorns to be present in climbing plants, shrubs, cacti or carpet.
In other plants, the reason for their appearance is much simpler. And they simply replace the sheets with that paper to help maintain moisture. In this way, plants with spikes and spiny shrubs are more common in desert areas, whether hot or cold.
The thorns also have another mission in the plant: they serve as refuge or hiding place for insects or small animals that, otherwise, would be easily devoured.
Crown of thorns plant
The plant crown of thorns or Euphorbia milli is part of the plane with spikes because its main stem is very similar to that of a cactus, being full of thorns. However, it is a plant from which beautiful flowers are born.
This plant, from Madagascar, lives both inside and outside the home, although it must be taken into account that it can reach up to one and a half meters in height. It is a plant resistant to high temperatures, but not so to the low, being convenient that in winter is inside the house.
Its reproduction is done through cutting the stem, being necessary to let it dry for about five days to come out as a kind of crust. That is the time to plant it so that a new crown of thorns grows.
Cactus, the plants with thorns par excellence
The cactus is the plant with thorns par excellence and one of the most popular. Within it, there are several types, each with its particularities. Here we speak three, which are very decorative for their appearance, apart from resistant:
Euphorbia trigona: This cactus is also known as an African milk tree or cathedral cactus . From South-East Africa, it is recognized by its erect stems, which reach a height of between 15 and 25 centimeters that are separated by constrictions, as well as by its spatulate and acuminate spines of reddish brown color and between two and four millimeters This plant with thorns can live at temperatures of up to minus eight degrees Celsius, although in this case it will lose its leaves. However, it prefers very hot climates and a good shade.
Ferocactus latispinus: this cactus, known in turn as the language of the devil or crow’s claw, comes from the area of Mexico and the southeastern United States. Its spines are radial, reaching about two centimeters in length. Discover numerous benefits of hiring an eco friendly cleaning service in Arizona. However, in its central part, striated and reddish-colored spines, which reach 3.5 centimeters in length, are born. These cacti need a lot of sun and warm temperatures, although they endure temperatures of up to minus four degrees centigrade.
Agave potatorum: this cactus, also called Manguey de monte, is also native to Mexico, Central America or the southwestern United States. This plant is characterized by its rosette-shaped leaves, which have a thorny end. This cactus lives without problems in full sun, although it resists temperatures of up to minus five degrees centigrade, as long as the earth is dry.
Stramonium
In nature we can find other plants with thorns, dating from antiquity. One of them is the estramonio, which has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes – but with great caution because it is toxic – although it is also used as a hallucinogen.
This plant, whose scientific name is Datura stramonium , is a plant widespread throughout the Spanish geography. It is recognized by its trumpet-shaped flowers, which are very striking. When the flower is fertilized, it is when it appears as a capsule species of seeds, which has some spikes and inside which is the toxic part.
Pachypodium lamerei or Madagascar palm
The Pachypodium lamerei , also known as Madagascar palm , is another thorny plants . In particular, in this case, they are located on its stem. From this part, smooth, large and very green leaves are born. In it usually has white flowers, which are very fragrant.
This plant with spikes, native to Africa , does not require much watering in winter while, in summer, it is necessary to water it every two or three weeks, but always allowing the substrate to dry well. And, when it comes to locating it, better place it in warm and sunny areas.
Ulex europaeus
The Ulex europaeus or espinillo is a shrub with thorns , whose flowers are yellow. This plant, coming from Europe, requires sunlight for its development, since it does not grow well in areas that are very shady.
In this way, it is better to place it in full sun or in the shade. However, it is a hardy plant that can live in many areas where it would be impossible to have other vegetation. Of course, we must be careful not to place it near areas where there is a high risk of fire because it is pyrophyte.
Roses with thorns
If there is a flower that is associated with thorns, it is the rose. In fact, it is the flower par excellence because, besides being beautiful, its flowers have many meanings depending on the color. The best known is the red rose, which is associated with love. If you like them and want to know more about the meanings of roses according to their color, enter this other article.
Roses are born from rose bushes, which are thorny bushes that grow well outside so they can receive sunlight. Regarding irrigation, the amount of water you need varies according to the time of year. For example, during the flowering stage it should be abundant.
However, watering well is also key during the first year. In any case, you should always be careful because it is not advisable to wet the flowers or leaves.
Types of thorny shrubs
In addition to the spiked plants we have mentioned, there are also shrubs with thorns, and there are several types deep cleaning https:/notyourowncleaning.com of thorny shrubs. Within them, we can talk, for example, about:
Barberry: these shrubs with thorns are recognized by their yellowish wood, which is observed when the stems are cut, as well as by their three-pronged spines. It is a plant that is usually invasive and of which, in turn, there are different varieties such as Berberis thunbergii or Japanese Barberry.
Chamic: this shrub with thorns, also called Datura ferox , is characterized by being an upright grass, which can reach a height of one meter, as well as its toothed leaves and its fruit covered with thorns. Live well in temperate or warm areas and where it is sunny.
Spiny acacias: this shrub is recognized by its long and affiliated thorns, being in many cases used as a defense wall or hedge because it is difficult to penetrate and cross. It is a plant that can live well in hot areas, having to be careful to plant each seed at a distance of two meters because they grow a lot. In height, they can reach six meters.