Early in human history we used thorns as defensive mechanisms - from adding thorns to the cave man's club, to adding strong, thick thorns to the breast plates.
Plants bearing thorns, spines, or prickles are often used to ward against theft. Planting a thorny bush below the windows of the house, or around the perimeter of the garden will cause someone to move own rather than deal with the though of getting "bitten" or "pricked" by a thorn.
Technically roses have prickles and not thorns. There are differences in thorns, spins and prickles. Magnification also shows the removal of the thorn can be more painful than the impact.
Knowing the type and purpose of the thorn is helpful in successfully removing the thorn and avoiding additional pain in mishandling the thorn.
Definition: Thorn - modified branches or stems. They may be simple or branched.
Spines - modified leaves, stipple or parts of a leaves such as extensions of the leaf veins.
Prickles - comparable to hairs, but can be quite coarse - they are an extension of the cortex or epidermis of the plant. (more)
Finally, don't forget the quotes about "thorns" throughout history. See how many you remember.
So next time you see a behavior you label as "thorny" remember there are several types of thorns so be specific and it is better to understand the purpose of the "thorn" than to become entangled in trying to remove or avoid them. After all, they have feelings, too!
