Tree of thorns

Description:

The thorny body of this tree has always been an object of fascination to me. It was less prominent as a young plant intended to grow into a large umbrella in the middle of hedged space. At maturity, seeds that look like a small green football appears. Suspended from high branches like grape vines are cones of small red flowers that attract butterflies and several other friendly pollinator insects. The thorns may be a deterrent against harmful insects that might want to spawn on the tree hence, the absence of caterpillars. One or two spiders are present, with very small ants carving trails between serious thorns. Not being defoliators, the canopy is safe and often looks lush. Many times, I've tried to envision this prickly arboreal terrain with an ant's eye, not a spider. It would be a special place, like a tourist site.