The giraffe has a remarkable ability to strip leaves from branches despite thorns. The giraffe's prehensile tongue is about 50 cm (20 in) long and its purplish-black color may protect against sunburn. The tongue pulls leaves from trees and is also used for grooming and cleaning the nose. The upper lip of the giraffe is also prehensile and useful when foraging. The lips, tongue and inside of the mouth are covered in papillae to protect against thorns.