ə̇ˈspē(ˌ)nō noun
( -s )
Etymology: American Spanish, from Spanish, hawthorn, from Latin spinus blackthorn, from spina thorn — more at spine
1. : any of numerous tropical So. American thorny or spiny shrubs or trees especially of the genus Zanthoxylum
2. : a shrubby acacia ( Acacia cavenia ) used as a hedge plant in southern So. America the pod of which is rich in tannin