Dicots

Definition

Dicots, or dicotyledons, are a group of flowering plants whose seeds typically have two embryonic leaves or cotyledons. They exhibit a wide range of growth forms, from herbaceous plants to woody trees and shrubs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dicots generally have leaves with net-like veins.
2. The floral parts in dicots are usually in multiples of four or five.
3. Vascular bundles in dicot stems are arranged in a ring pattern.
4. Dicots often possess taproot systems rather than fibrous root systems.
5. Common examples of dicots include roses, sunflowers, and oak trees.

Review Questions

• What is the primary distinction between monocots and dicots regarding their seeds?
• How are the vascular bundles arranged in the stems of dicots?
• Name three common examples of dicot plants.

Related terms

Monocots: Monocotyledons are flowering plants whose seeds typically have one embryonic leaf or cotyledon.

Cotyledon: A cotyledon is an embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants, one or more of which are the first to appear from a germinating seed.

Angiosperms: Angiosperms are a large group of flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit.