The difference between a Common Dewberry ( Rubus flagellaris ) and a Southern Dewberry ( Rubus trivialis ) lies in their physical characteristics , specifically in the front of prickles and bristles . Prickles and bristles are both type of thorny bodily structure found on plants , but they differ in term of their size and compactness .
Prickles are knifelike , pointed structures that move up from the industrial plant ’s knocked out layer , roll in the hay as the cuticle . They can be find on various contribution of the industrial plant , including root , leaves , and fruit . pricker are typically longer and more unbending than bristles , and they can stimulate soreness or even injury when touch . When encountering a plant with prickles , one must be careful not to incidentally prick themselves .
On the other hand , bristles are shorter , finer , and soft thorny body structure that are often found in clusters . They are normally less inflexible than spine and may have a hair - like appearance . bristle tend to be more numerous and densely packed than prickles , giving the plant a hazy or bristly texture . While they can still cause slim irritation when bear upon , they are generally less painful than prickles .
In the case of the Southern Dewberry , it possess both prickles and bristles , whereas the Common Dewberry only has prickles . This difference in barbed structures between the two species can be follow upon close-fitting interrogatory of their stem , leaves , and fruit .
Having both prickles and bristles provides the Southern Dewberry with extra protection against herbivores and potential threats . The prickles move as a deterrent to heavy animals by inflicting discomfort or annoyance , while the bristles may serve as a barrier against smaller insects or pests . This compounding of bristly defenses help the Southern Dewberry to pull round in its instinctive habitat and avoid being consumed or damage .
In my personal experience as a nurseryman , I have encountered both Common Dewberries and Southern Dewberries . When handling the plants , I have noticed the conflict in thorny structures between the two metal money . The prickles of the Common Dewberry are more pronounced and can easy get onto vesture or tegument if not handle with care . In line , the Southern Dewberry ’s bristles provide a softer , fuzzier texture , which is less likely to cause significant discomfort .
It is important to note that while these thorny structure wait on a protective purpose for the plants , they can also pose a challenge for gardeners or individuals who come into contact with them . Therefore , it is advisable to bear protective gloves and clothing when handling or working around plants with spikelet or bristles to avoid any likely injury or irritation .
The chief divergence between the Common Dewberry and the Southern Dewberry lie down in the presence of spikelet and bristle . The Southern Dewberry possesses both prickles and bristle , while the Common Dewberry only has prickles . Prickles are recollective , more rigid pricker that can induce discomfort or hurt , while bristles are short , softer thorns that provide a fuzzy grain . This difference in thorny structures serves as a denial mechanism for the plants , protecting them from herbivores and potential threats in their environment .
Caroline Bates
