If you’ve ever pondered if celery is a monocot or a dicot, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to give you the answer to why celery is considered either a monocot or a dicot! We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about recognizing whether something is one or the other.
Is Celery a Monocot or a Dicot?
Celery is a dicot. To understand the difference between a monocot and a dicot, we have to look at the placement of the xylem and phloem tissues. The former carry water from the roots to the leaves. The latter transport sugary water up and down depending on the plant’s needs.
In monocots, the xylem and phloem tissues are grouped in random clusters. In dicots, the same tissues are distributed in a particular pattern, circling the center of the stem.
Why is Celery a Dicot?
In celery, you’ll find the xylem and phloem tissues evenly spaced around the center of the stem. They run from the roots to the leaves. This is also why celery can seem stringy, especially when it’s bitter.
If you’re ever in doubt, you can easily test this by letting your celery soak in a few inches of food coloring-infused water. At the bottom of the stalks, you’ll be able to check the placement of the marked dots.
How Do You Know if Something is a Monocot or Dicot?
1. Check the Leaves
The simplest way to tell if a plant is a monocot or a dicot is by looking at its leaves. The ones that can be found on dicot plants have small veins. These can be seen branching out from a single vein that runs from the base of the leaf to the tip.
Monocots usually have narrow, grass-like leaves. The veins shoot out from the base and run in parallel lines.
2. Count the Petals
To tell the difference, you can also check the number of petals on a flowering plant. On a monocot, they appear in threes or multiples of threes. On the other hand, the petals on a dicot plant pop up in multiples of fours or fives.
Wrap Up
Celery is considered a dicot because of the placement of its xylem and phloem tissues. If you’re ever unsure whether a plant is a monocot or a dicot, check the veins on the underside of its leaves. And if that fails, look at the plant when it’s flowering and count the individual petals. The fewer there are, the more likely it is that it’s a monocot.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
