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.Â
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.Â
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.
The terms prickles and thorns are often mixed and used interchangeably but there is a slight difference between thorns and prickles.Â
While thorns are formed from internal tissue (endogenous), prickles develop from external tissue ( exogenous).Â
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.Â
Spines, thorns, and prickles all prevent the animals from eating the plant.
Let’s look at the difference between thorns and spines in detail.
Q1. What is the Main Function of the Spines of a Plant?
Ans. The primary function of spines is to protect the plant. During hot weather or dry conditions, spines prevent water loss from the plant. When the leaves are modified into spines, their surface area reduces and this lessens the water loss. Photosynthesis in this case is performed by the stem.
Q2. What is the Main Difference Between Spines, Thorns, and Prickles?
Ans. The main difference between spines, thorns, and prickles is:
Thorns are modified stem of a plant
Spines are modified leaf or stipule
Prickles are an outgrowth from the epidermis of the plant
Q3. Does the Cactus Plant Have Thorns, Prickles, or Spines?
Ans. Most cactus species do not have leaves and are covered with spines that are modified leaves. These spines grow from structures called areoles. They help the plant in conserving water as well as defending against herbivores. The spines on a cactus help in preventing water loss by reducing the airflow close to the plant and giving it some shade.