Monocotyledons
Monocotyledons (pronunciation: /ˌmɒnəˌkɒtɪˈliːdən/), also known as monocots, are one of two major groups of flowering plants (or Angiosperms) that are traditionally recognized, the other being dicotyledons, or dicots. Monocotyledons have been recognized at various taxonomic ranks, and under various names (see synonymy). The name refers to the single (mono-) seed leaf (cotyledon) they produce, as opposed to the pair of seed leaves produced by dicots.
Etymology
The term "Monocotyledon" comes from the ancient Greek words "mono" meaning "one" and "kotyledon" meaning "seed leaf".
Characteristics
Monocots are characterized by having one seed leaf or cotyledon, parallel leaf veins, flower parts in multiples of three, and other anatomical features. They include familiar plants such as orchids, grasses, palms, and lilies.
Classification
Monocots are a group that includes about 60,000 species. They are classified into several orders including Liliales, Asparagales, and Poales, among others.
Related Terms
See Also
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