Spine cluster

Spine cluster [ Botany ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

A spine cluster is a group of spine, arising from a formation called an areole.

Glandulicactus wrightii Areole and spine cluster on an isolated tubercle	Spine clusters are typical structures characteristic of the Cactaceae family, they develop from a meristematic growth centre called the areole which is positioned on the tubercles (raised , domelike or elongate areas along the stem) or on the ribs. Each spine cluster (corresponding to an areole) may contains central and radial spines and also glochids, hairs, leafs or glands.
		Unlike other flowering plants that are principally identified by flower and fruit morphology, cacti are identified primarily by their spine clusters morphology.
	In plants of the subfamily Opuntioideae the cluster of spines arise in the axil of a small caducous (early deciduous) leaf.Spine cluster

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