Thorns, Thistles.
There are about a dozen different words translated 'thorns,' and 'thistles,' showing how plentiful these results of the curse are in this sin-stained world. The different species cannot be identified with most of the Hebrew words. The thistle is used to signify a worthless person in the parable of Jehoash, king of Israel. 2 Kings 14:9. Thorns are often mentioned as growing up in places given to desolation.
The Hebrew word atad, translated 'thorns' in Psalms 58:9, and 'bramble' in Judges 9:14, Judges 1:9, has been identified with the Lycium Europaeum, this and the L. afrum are both found in Palestine. Its identification seems to be confirmed by the Arabs calling the plant atad, but it is also known by the name of ausej.
In the millennium, "instead of the thorn shall come up the myrtle tree." Genesis 3:18; Isaiah 32:13; Isaiah 55:13; etc. See CROWN OF THORNS.