Monocotyledonous

Monocotyledonous (pronunciation: /ˌmɒnəˌkɒtɪˈliːdənəs/), often shortened to monocot, is a term used to describe a type of flowering plant that has a single embryonic leaf, or cotyledon, in its seed. The term is derived from the Greek words "mono" meaning "one" and "kotyledon" meaning "seed leaf".

Etymology

The term "Monocotyledonous" is derived from the Greek words "mono" meaning "one" and "kotyledon" meaning "seed leaf". It was first used in the late 18th century to classify plants based on the number of cotyledons in their seeds.

Characteristics

Monocotyledonous plants have several distinct characteristics. They typically have parallel leaf veins, flowers in multiples of three, and fibrous root systems. Examples of monocotyledonous plants include lilies, orchids, grasses, and palms.

Related Terms

Cotyledon: An embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants. In monocotyledonous plants, there is only one cotyledon.
Dicotyledonous: A term used to describe plants that have two embryonic leaves in their seeds.
Embryo: The part of a seed that develops into a plant.
Seed: The mature ovule of a flowering plant, containing an embryo and stored food, which can develop into a new plant under the right conditions.

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Monocotyledonous