Monocotyledons versus Dicotyledons

Angiosperms are the flowering plants of the plant kingdom and are divided into two distinct groups, the:

(mono - one; cotyledon - seed leaf)

Monocotyledons have only one seed leaf within the plant seed.

Plants in this group are mostly herbaceous plants that are soft, green and non-woody.

They can be annuals or perennials. Many are palms and grasses.

Roots: fibrous root system

Stem: non-woody, veins in the stem are scattered.

Flowers: flower parts are usually in threes or multiples of three.

e.g. three petals, sepals or stamens.

Leaves:

usually long and slender
have an entire (unbroken) margin
parallel venation
sheathing leaf attachment - the leaves wrap around the stem and add strength to it.

Click on the parts of the monocot below to check its features.

Flower parts are usually in multiples of 3.

Monocot leaves have parallel veins and wrap around the stem.

The stem is non-woody.

Monocots have a fibrous root system.

(di - two; cotyledon - seed leaf)

Dicotyledons have two seed leaves within the plant seed.

Plants in this group may be woody, herbs, shrubs, trees, herbaceous, annuals and perennials.

Roots: develops a tap root system. If grown from cuttings a fibrous root system develops.

Stem: can be woody, non-woody or succulent.

Veins within the stem are arranged in a ring.

Flowers: flower parts are usually in fours or fives.

e.g. four/five petals, sepals or stamens.

Leaves:

Click on the parts of the dicot below to check its features.

Flower parts are usually in 4's or 5's.

Dicot leaves have a midvein and a network of veins.

Dicots have nodes and internodes on their stem.

Dicots have a tap root system.