espinosas

Espinosas is a term used in Spanish and in botanical contexts to describe thorny plants—shrubs, trees, and vines that bear spines, thorns, or prickles. The label covers a broad range of taxa rather than a single taxonomic group. The common trait is a physical deterrent to herbivory and, in many arid environments, a strategy to conserve water.

Spines are often modified leaves or shoots; thorns are modified branches; prickles are outgrowths from the epidermis. Leaves are frequently reduced or absent. Many espinosas are woody and drought-tolerant, with compact growth forms that minimize surface area.

They occur in deserts, scrublands, savannas, and Mediterranean climates around the world. They provide microhabitats and nectar or fruit for wildlife, and many species rely on specific pollinators. Their fruits are diverse, including edible options in some species.

Humans use espinosas for hedges, borders, windbreaks, and ornamental gardening. Some produce edible foods, such as prickly pears. In landscaping, their tolerance to poor soils and drought makes them popular in arid regions.

Representative thorny groups include Opuntia (prickly pears), Acacia and Prosopis (acacias and mesquites), Rosa (roses), and Ziziphus. Because the term spans multiple families, characteristics vary. In some regions, thorny plants have become invasive; notably, Opuntia species caused agricultural problems in Australia before control was achieved with the introduced moth Cactoblastis cactorum.