csíptövis

Csíptövis is a Hungarian botanical term used to describe a sharp, prickly projection on a plant that can irritate or prick the skin. The word combines csípni (to sting) and tövis (thorn), signaling its nature as a prick-like projection rather than a true thorn. In Hungarian usage, csíptövis is often treated as a practical descriptor for projections that arise from the epidermis or cortex and function primarily as a defensive or protective feature.

The term is commonly linked to what in English is called a prickly outgrowth. Unlike true thorns, which are modified stems, or spines, which are modified leaves or stems, csíptövis is not always tied to a single fixed developmental origin in every description; it serves primarily as a morphological category for sharp surface projections. Csíptövis can be solitary or densely arranged and may be found on leaves, stems, or other plant organs.

Functionally, csíptövis serves mainly as a mechanical deterrent against herbivory, helping to protect plant tissues from feeding. Its presence can also affect how a plant interacts with its environment, aiding in defense or in reducing the attachment of fungi or debris in some cases.

In Hungarian field guides and floras, csíptövis appears alongside related terms such as tövis (thorn) and tüskés (spiny) to describe plant surface structures. While not a taxonomic rank, it provides a concise way to communicate about sharp plant projections in morphological descriptions. See also tövis, tüskék, prickles.