Monocots vs. Dicots

Key Differences

Cotyledons

• Monocots: Have one cotyledon
• Dicots: Have two cotyledons
• Cotyledon: An embryonic leaf, first to appear after seed germination, helps in absorbing nutrients until true leaves form

Leaves

• Monocots: Leaves with parallel veins, long slender blades
• Dicots: Broader leaves with branched veins

Stems

• Monocots: Vascular bundles scattered, mostly near edge
• Dicots: Vascular bundles arranged in a ring

Flowers

• Monocots: Petals in multiples of three
• Dicots: Petals in multiples of four or five

Roots

• Monocots: Fibrous root system, roots spread in all directions, primarily in the upper soil layer
• Dicots: Tap root system, one main root with branches, can reach deeper soil layers

Additional Notes

• Monocots: Generally herbaceous, no persistent woody stem, green flexible stem, fast growth, produce many seeds quickly
• Dicots: Extensive variety due to woody support system in roots and stems, can grow into diverse forms from trees to flowers like daisies