What type of angiosperms are classified as monocots?

Monocots, or monocotyledons, are a class of angiosperms characterized primarily by having one seed leaf, known as a cotyledon. This trait is fundamental in distinguishing monocots from dicots, which have two seed leaves. The presence of a single cotyledon influences various other aspects of the plant’s structure and growth, such as the arrangement of vascular bundles, leaf venation patterns, and root systems.

Monocots also typically exhibit parallel leaf veins and flower parts arranged in multiples of three. This classification extends beyond just the seed leaf—other morphological and anatomical features are associated with monocot structure, which includes a variety of plant families such as grasses, lilies, and orchids. Understanding this classification helps horticulturists, botanists, and landscape professionals identify, study, and manage plants more effectively.

While other options mention features like flower production and woody stems, these do not specifically define monocots, as other plant types can have these characteristics. Similarly, mentioning two seed leaves refers explicitly to dicots, reinforcing the defining characteristic of monocots being their single cotyledon.