STEM SPINE

Stem spine: a spine is a modified stem axis (it may have leaf scars), which becomes determinate (i.e., it has a very limited period of growth).

Examples:

1. A crucifixion thorn, Koeberlinia spinosa
2. The South African shrub Maytenus heterophyllus
3. Flattened stem spines of the crucifixion thorn Colletia paradoxa; A view with leaves still present
4. Pachypodium geayi
5. Whorled stem spines of Rhaphithamnus spinosus from southern Chile
6. The Madagascar stem succulents of Didiereaceae
7. Hawthorn, as in Crataegus crus-galli

[Return to Plant Armature]