Monocot
/MON-oh-kot/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: monocotyledon, liliopsid
A major group of flowering plants (class Liliopsida/Monocotyledones) characterised by a single cotyledon (seed leaf), parallel leaf venation, flower parts typically in multiples of three, and scattered vascular bundles in the stem. Monocots include grasses, palms, orchids, lilies, irises, and bananas. They generally lack secondary growth (wood) and have fibrous root systems. Approximately 25% of flowering plant species are monocots.
Etymology
Greek mono (one) + kotyledon (cup-shaped hollow, seed-leaf)
Example
“Grasses, palms, and orchids are all monocots — note their parallel leaf veins and flower parts in threes.”