* One cotyledon: This is the defining feature - they have a single seed leaf.

* Parallel leaf veins: The veins in their leaves run parallel to each other, unlike the branching veins of dicots.

* Fibrous root system: Their roots are usually a mat of thin, branching roots.

* Floral parts in multiples of three: Monocot flowers have petals, sepals, and stamens in groups of three or multiples of three.

* Scattered vascular bundles: The vascular bundles (xylem and phloem) in their stems are scattered throughout the stem, not arranged in a ring.

Examples of monocots include:

* Grasses

* Orchids

* Lilies

* Palms

* Onions

* Corn

* Rice

* Wheat