plant_spinescence

Label: Plant spinescence
Entity URI: https://w3id.org/APD/traits/trait_0010070
Type: categorical
Definition: A plant structure morphology trait [TO:0000839] which summarises the extent of physical structures a plant uses for defence [NCIT:C61556], including the size [PATO:0000117], strength [PATO:0001230], and density [PATO:0001019] of spine leaves [PO:0025173], spine stipules [PO:0025174], thorns [PO:0025172], and/or prickles [PO:0025169] and the pain [HP:0012531] inflicted by these structures.;Degree to which a plant is defended by spines, thorns and/or prickles, as defined by PÃ©rez-Harguindeguy et al. 2013.
Additional comments: The values for this trait are exactly those defined by PÃ©rez-Harguindeguy et al. 2013 (doi:10.1071/BT12225). See the trait `plant_physical_defence` for individual plant structures a plant uses for physical defence.

Allowed values:

value	description
high_density_hard_spines_to_100mm	Intermediate or high density of hard, sharp spines >100mm long; plant is dangerous to careless large mammals, including humans. (level 5)
high_density_hard_spines_to_20mm	Intermediate or high density of hard, sharp spines >20mm long; plant may cause significant wounds when hit carelessly. (level 4)
high_density_hard_spines_to_5mm	Intermediate or high density of hard, sharp spines >5mm long; plant causes strong pain when hit carelessly. (level 3)
high_density_soft_spines	High density of soft spines, intermediate density of spines of intermediate hardness, or low density of hard, sharp spines >5mm long; plant causes actual pain when hit carelessly. (level 2)
low_density_soft_spines	Low or very local density of soft spines <5mm long; plant may sting or prickle when hit carelessly but not impart strong pain. (level 1)
no_spines	No spines. (level 0)

See the AusTraits Plant Dictionary (https://w3id.org/APD/traits/trait_0010070) for additional information about this trait.

Coverage

For this trait, AusTraits includes a total of 953 records. This includes: