Monokotyledonit

Monokotyledonit, or monocotyledons, are a major group within the flowering plants (angiosperms). They are defined by having a single cotyledon in the seed, which is reflected in many of their morphological and developmental traits.

Key characteristics of monocots include leaves with parallel venation and a leaf base that often sheaths the stem, vascular bundles scattered throughout the stem, and a predominantly fibrous root system rather than a central taproot. Their floral organs are typically in multiples of three, and pollen usually has a single furrow or pore. In the majority of monocots, true woody secondary growth is absent, leading to herbaceous stems; a few groups show limited secondary thickening through alternative anatomical mechanisms.

Taxonomically, monocots form a clade within the angiosperms and are one of the two traditional major lineages that separate from the dicotyledons (eudicots). Modern classifications emphasize monophyly, recognizing monocots as a distinct lineage with shared characters, while acknowledging considerable diversity within the group.

Economically and ecologically, monocots include many of the world’s most important crops and plants. Notable families are Poaceae (grasses), which provide wheat, rice, maize, barley, and other staples; Orchidaceae (orchids); Liliaceae and related families (lilies and allies); and Arecaceae (palms). They are also prominent in horticulture and ornamentals, and they occupy a wide range of habitats from deserts to tropical forests.

Distribution and ecology of monocots are widespread, with great diversity in tropical and subtropical regions but also abundant in temperate zones. They play crucial roles in ecosystems, agriculture, and human economies.