Difference Between Thorns and Spines

It is difficult to spot the difference between thorns and spines based only on their appearance since they both look almost identical. To know what is the difference between thorns and spines, we must look at how these two are created from different parts of a plant. While thorn is a modified stem, the spine is a modified leaf. At Vedantu, we have created a comprehensive summary of spines, thorns, and pickles along with their differences. 

Spines

Spines are sharp, pointed structures on a plant and are the modified leaf. They protect the plant from predators. An example of spines can be seen in the Opuntia plant where the minute leaves of axillary buds transform into spines. Another example is pineapple where the margin of leaves is modified into spines. 

Thorns 

Thorns are woody, pointed structures in a plant that protect the plant and help in climbing. They are modified axillary leaves and are different from both spines and prickles. Thorns may be branched or non-branched and are always subtended by a leaf.

What is the Difference Between Thorns and Pickles?

The terms prickles and thorns are often mixed and used interchangeably but there is a slight difference between thorns and prickles. 

• While thorns are formed from internal tissue (endogenous), prickles develop from external tissue ( exogenous). 

• Prickles develop from the epidermis and cortex of plant stems while thorns are modified branches.

• Prickles can also occur on leaves and protrude from the main veins of the leaf unlike thorns

• Prickles can also be seen on adventitious roots and some fruits unlike thorns

 An example of prickles is the rose plant. 

Spines, thorns, and prickles all prevent the animals from eating the plant.

Let’s look at the difference between thorns and spines in detail.