Definition: The word "acnid" has been in use in Chinese since the 4th century BC, meaning a plant with a tough, fibrous inner part which is filled with white sap. Acid plants are characterized by their strong, acidic (acidic) and often alkaline (alkaline) nectar. They have a dense, densely packed stipe which is covered with prickly hairs and many small, sharp teeth to aid in cutting through the plant. The juice from these glands also contains a strong acid called acetic acid. Acid plants are most commonly found on trees and shrubs but can grow up to 100 m tall in some cases. They have very slow growth periods between flowering and fruiting seasons, which allows them to thrive for longer periods of time during dry conditions. The fruit is typically a small white or yellow capsule containing seeds. It's important to note that acnids are not the same as plants with a hard outer covering that has no sap flow through it - these are known as cacti.

Acnida