Dicotyledonous plants, commonly known as dicots, refer to a group of flowering plants that account for approximately 60% of all angiosperms. The term dicotyledonous is derived from the presence of two seed leaves or cotyledons in the embryo of the plant. Dicots have been classified under the Magnoliopsida class.
Cotyledons are small and often fleshy structures which not only provide a reserve of food for the developing embryo but also function as the first leaves of the developing plant. This is in contrast to monocots, or monocotyledonous plants, which have only one cotyledon.
Dicots can be found in different shapes and sizes, from tiny subshrubs to towering trees. Some have woody stems and thick bark, while others have soft green stems that can twine around other plants. Dicots can also be annual, biennial or perennial.
The leaves of dicots typically have a network of veins or veins that form a net-like pattern, which is in contrast to monocots, whose leaves have parallel veins. Flowers of dicots are also different from those of monocots. Dicots flowers usually have petals in multiples of four or five, while monocots have petals in multiples of three.
Dicots play a vital role in the ecosystem as they provide a host of benefits. They provide food and shelter for various animals, are a source of timber, and their roots can help prevent soil erosion.
In conclusion, dicots are a significant family of flowering plants that are easily distinguished by the presence of two cotyledons in the seed. They play a critical ecological role and their characteristics make them a favorite for gardeners and botanists alike. Next time you admire a flower, you might want to consider whether it’s a dicot or a monocot, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.