All angiosperm seeds have one or two embryonic seed leaves or cotyledons. Monocots have one cotyledon. The flowers or petals on monocots occur in groups of four or five or multiples of four or five. The vascular tissue in the leaves of monocots is found in parallel veins. About 10% have woody or tough and rigid stems such as palm trees, bamboo and others that typically grow in warmer climates. Monocots have a light and strong structure and has been used for building materials which is commonly done in Asia. Apart from the 10% that are woody, most monocots are non-woody or herbaceous which have soft and fleshy stems such as orchids, lilies, tulips and spring bulbs. Dicots have two cotyledons. The flowers or petals of dicots occur in groups of three or multiples of three. The vascular tissue in dicots is found in branching veins. Most of Canada's native tree species are dicots. Dicots are rich in starch. Some types of dicots are lettuce, tomatoes, radishes and potatoes. |