Dicots, or dicotyledons, are a group of flowering plants that have several distinct characteristics. Here are some of the key features:
- Two Seed Leaves: Dicots have two cotyledons or seed leaves when they germinate. This is one of the most distinguishing features.
- Leaf Venation: The leaves of dicots typically have a net-like or reticulate venation pattern. This means the veins form a network across the leaf.
- Flower Parts: The flower parts of dicots usually come in multiples of four or five. For example, they might have 4 or 5 petals, sepals, or stamens.
- Vascular Bundles: In the stem, the vascular bundles are arranged in a ring. This is different from monocots, where the vascular bundles are scattered.
- Root System: Dicots generally have a taproot system, which means they have one main root that grows deep into the soil, with smaller roots branching off from it.
- Secondary Growth: Dicots often undergo secondary growth, which allows them to increase in girth. This is due to the presence of cambium, a layer of cells that can divide and produce new vascular tissue.
These characteristics help distinguish dicots from monocots, which have only one seed leaf, parallel leaf venation, and flower parts in multiples of three.