Magnoliopsida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Magnoliopsida
Lamium album from Lamiales
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida

Magnoliopsida, also known as dicotyledons or dicots, is a large group of flowering plants. These plants are special because their seedlings (baby plants) usually have two tiny leaves when they first sprout from a seed. Think of it like a pair of tiny wings unfolding! This is different from monocots, which only have one seed leaf.

What Are Dicot Plants?

Dicot plants are a major group within the plant kingdom. They are known for having two "seed leaves," called cotyledons, when they start to grow. These cotyledons are often the first leaves you see. They help the young plant get nutrients until its true leaves can make food.

How Do Dicots Grow?

When a dicot seed sprouts, it sends out a root and then two cotyledons emerge. These first leaves might look different from the plant's later leaves. As the plant grows, it develops true leaves, stems, and flowers. Dicots have a few key features that make them unique:

• Two Seed Leaves: As mentioned, they start with two cotyledons.
• Net-like Veins: The veins in their leaves usually form a branching, net-like pattern.
• Flower Parts in Fours or Fives: Their flowers often have petals or other parts in groups of four or five, or multiples of these numbers.
• Ringed Stems: Inside their stems, the parts that carry water and food are arranged in a ring.
• Taproot System: Many dicots have a main, thick root called a taproot, with smaller roots branching off it.

Examples of Dicot Plants

Many common plants you see every day are dicots. This group includes a huge variety of trees, shrubs, and smaller flowering plants. Here are some well-known examples:

• Oaks: Large trees known for their strong wood and acorns.
• Sunflowers: Tall plants with big, bright yellow flowers that follow the sun.
• Roses: Popular flowering shrubs with beautiful, often fragrant, blooms.
• Blackberries: Bushes that produce tasty, dark berries.
• Blueberry: Shrubs that grow sweet, blue berries.
• Bilberry: Similar to blueberries, these plants also produce edible berries.

Images for kids

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  Magnolia flowers