Which of the following plants is a 'monocot'?

The correct answer is Onion.

Key Points

• Onion is classified as a monocot plant because it has a single cotyledon in its seed structure.
• Monocots generally have parallel venation in their leaves, which is observed in onion plants.
• The root system of monocots, including onions, is typically fibrous rather than tap-rooted.
• Onion flowers exhibit trimerous symmetry, meaning their floral parts are typically in multiples of three—a characteristic of monocots.
• The seed of onions lacks secondary growth, which is another defining trait of monocots.

Additional Information

• Monocots vs Dicots:
  • Monocots have a single cotyledon, whereas dicots have two cotyledons.
  • Monocots exhibit parallel venation, while dicots show reticulate venation.
  • Monocots generally have fibrous roots, whereas dicots have a tap root system.
• Characteristics of Monocots:
  • Floral parts are typically in multiples of three.
  • Vascular bundles are scattered in the stem without secondary growth.
  • Leaves are narrow with parallel veins.
• Examples of Monocot Plants:
  • Grasses (e.g., rice, wheat, maize).
  • Bulbous plants (e.g., onion, garlic).
  • Orchids and palms.
• Scientific Classification of Onion:
  • Kingdom: Plantae.
  • Order: Asparagales.
  • Family: Amaryllidaceae.
  • Genus: Allium.
  • Species: Allium cepa.