eudicotyledons

Eudicotyledons, often referred to as true dicots, represent a large and diverse clade of flowering plants, encompassing a significant majority of angiosperm species. This group is distinguished by several key morphological and genetic characteristics. A defining feature, though not universally present in all mature plants, is the presence of two embryonic cotyledons, or seed leaves, within the seed. This contrasts with monocotyledons, which typically possess only one cotyledon. Another significant characteristic is the arrangement of vascular tissues in the stem. In eudicots, the xylem and phloem are typically organized in a ring, allowing for secondary growth and the development of woody tissues in many species. Monocots, by contrast, have vascular bundles scattered throughout the stem. Eudicot leaves often exhibit a net-like or reticulate venation pattern, where veins branch and form a complex network. Floral parts in eudicots are usually arranged in multiples of four or five, such as four petals, sepals, stamens, or carpels, whereas monocots typically have floral parts in multiples of three. Pollen grains of eudicots commonly have three pores or furrows, a trait known as tricolpate pollen, while monocots generally have pollen with a single pore. This group includes familiar plant families such as roses, legumes, sunflowers, and oaks, playing crucial roles in ecosystems and human agriculture.