Seed structure.

Eudicots have two cotyledons (seed leaves).


  • The radicle is the embryonic root.
  • The epicotyl consists of the shoot tip with a pair of miniature leaves.
  • The hypocotyl lies underneath, and will pull the cotyledons out of the soil during germination.

    Monocots in the grass family have a thin cotyledon called a scutellum.

    Monocots also have a coleoptile to protect the shoot, and a coleorhiza to protect the root.