Flowering plants monocotyledon and dicotyledon

Monocots and dicots

Flowering plants are divided into 2 main categories, monocots (full name monocotyledons) and dicots (full name dicotyledons). This lesson will look at the differences in the leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of monocotyledons and dicotyledons.

Difference between monocots and dicots

Detailed picture of a monocot and dicot

Monocotyledon features

Single cotyledon (1 seed leaf)

Leaves with parallel veins

Fibrous root system

Floral parts in multiples of 3

Vascular bundles are scattered

Dicotyledon features

Double cotyledon (2 seed leaf)

Leaves with net like veins

Tap root system

Floral parts in multiples of 4 or 5

Vascular bundles in a ring