Pointy little barbs where stem branches off?

[Beateo]

High All! Can anyone tell me what the tiny little points are everywhere there is a fork on a plant?? The plant was given to me by a friend and I think it's one he cloned. It's about 8-10 inches high and every place a branch Y's off there is a little 1/8 inch point? I'm doing my first grow and have no clue what this is. Thanks!

 

[Antics]

Re: Pointy little barbs where stem branches off??

Are you talking about the thing that's just to the right of the calyx in this picture? If so that is the stipule. I think I read that the main purpose of them was to protect the new leaves/budding flowers on a plant.