Spiny-leafed is a term used to describe plants with leaves that have sharp, thorn-like projections on their surfaces. Synonyms for this term include prickly, spiky, thorny, barbed, bristly, and spined. These descriptive words are often used interchangeably to refer to a wide range of plant species, including cacti, succulents, and some types of palm trees. The spiny nature of these leaves is often a defensive mechanism designed to deter herbivores and protect the plant from damage. Synonyms for spiny-leafed plants are useful when describing the appearance and characteristics of these plants in a more precise and detailed way.