Spiniferous

Spiniferous is an adjective used in biology to describe organisms or parts that bear spines or spine-like projections. In botany it is applied to leaves, stems, inflorescences, or entire plants whose morphology includes spines or spine-bearing structures. The term is derived from Latin spina 'thorn' and ferre 'to bear' and is related to spinose, spinate, and spiny.

In practical use, spiniferous describes arrangements such as spinose leaf margins or spiniferous stems. It is common in groups with defensive morphology, notably many Cactaceae, Asteraceae with thistle-like structures, and thorny shrubs such as gorse (Ulex) or hawthorn (Crataegus). The term emphasizes the presence of spine-bearing elements rather than the mere presence of sharp points, and it may be used alongside more specific descriptors.

In zoology and paleontology, spiniferous is far less common but may appear when describing fossil plants or armored animals with spines on external coverings or appendages.

Etymology: from Latin spina 'thorn' and -ferous meaning bearing. See also spinose, spinate, with related terms indicating thorny or bristly morphologies.

Notes: Spiniferous is a descriptive term rather than a taxonomic category. Its usage aims to convey a specific morphological trait and may appear in floras, monographs, or systematic descriptions.