Dicots, short for dicotyledons, are a group of flowering plants distinguished by the presence of two seed leaves, or cotyledons, in their embryos. This sets them apart from monocots, which only have one seed leaf. Dicots encompass a wide range of plant species, including familiar ones like roses, sunflowers, and oak trees.
One key characteristic of dicots is their pattern of venation in their leaves. Most dicots have reticulate venation, where veins branch off from a central midrib in a net-like pattern. This is in contrast to monocots, which have parallel venation.
Dicots also typically have flower parts in multiples of four or five, such as petals, sepals, and stamens. Additionally, their roots usually have a taproot system, with one main root that gives rise to smaller lateral roots.
By studying these unique characteristics, botanists can better understand the diversity and complexity of the plant kingdom.#16#