acanthophorous
adj. C2 Proficiency acan·thophorous
adj. having spines or sharp points on the surface. You use this to describe plants that have a rough, prickly texture.
adj. possessing spines or prickles on the surface. Often used in botanical contexts to describe the texture of leaves or stems.
The acanthophorous plant has sharp spines on its leaves.
The gardener warned that the acanthophorous shrubs would scratch the skin of anyone walking through the hedge.
The acanthophorous nature of the plant's foliage serves as a natural deterrent to herbivores, ensuring the species survives in competitive environments.
From Ancient Greek ἄκανθα (ákantha, “spine”) + -φόρος (-phóros, “bearing”).