Dicotyledones

Dicotyledones, commonly known as dicots, represent a traditional grouping within the plant kingdom, distinct from monocotyledones (monocots). Historically, this classification was based on the presence of two embryonic leaves, or cotyledons, in the seed. Other characteristic features that traditionally defined dicots include netted or reticulate venation in their leaves, flower parts typically in multiples of four or five, and a vascular cambium that allows for secondary growth, resulting in woody stems and roots. The root system of dicots is usually a taproot system, with a main central root from which smaller lateral roots branch.

While the term "dicotyledones" is still widely used, modern botanical classification has undergone significant revision. The traditional dicots have been found to be a paraphyletic group, meaning it includes an ancestor but not all of its descendants. Consequently, many plants formerly classified as dicots are now placed within the broader group Angiosperms, with some lineages now considered more basal within flowering plants, and others grouped with monocots. Despite these taxonomic shifts, the term "dicot" remains a useful descriptor for a large and diverse group of flowering plants that share many of these observable characteristics. Examples of plants often recognized as dicots include roses, sunflowers, oaks, and beans.