Monocotyledons, or monocots, are a group of flowering plants characterized by having a single seed leaf, or cotyledon, in their seeds. This group includes familiar plants such as grasses, lilies, and orchids. Monocots typically have parallel leaf veins, flower parts in multiples of three, and fibrous root systems. Examples of monocots include corn, wheat, and bamboo. These plants play essential roles in agriculture and ecosystems, providing food, habitat, and oxygen. Monocots are distinct from dicotyledons, or dicots, which have two seed leaves and different structural features.