“…As part of the study on the evolution of plant protection by spines and thorns conducted in our group (e.g. Lev‐Yadun, 2001, 2003a, b, 2006, 2009a, b, c, 2011; Lev‐Yadun & Ne'eman, 2004, 2006; Halpern et al ., 2007a, b, 2011; Ronel, Malkiel & Lev‐Yadun, 2007; Lev‐Yadun & Gould, 2008; Lev‐Yadun & Halpern, 2008; Lev‐Yadun, Ne'eman & Izhaki, 2009; Nassar & Lev‐Yadun, 2009; Ronel & Lev‐Yadun, 2009; Ronel et al ., 2009, 2010), we characterized the thorn/spine/prickle system in the whole native wild flora of Israel. To the best of our knowledge, a whole‐flora approach of this character (defence by sharp appendages) has never been carried out before.…”