Are Water Lilies Monocots or Dicots? (EXPLAINED)

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Are water lilies monocots or dicots?

Question: Are water lilies considered monocots or dicots?

Quick Answer: Taxonomists classify water lilies as neither dicots nor monocots.

Why Are Water Lilies Not Considered Dicots or Monocots?

Water lilies have the plastid structure of monocots and the stem anatomy of dicots. Further, some species have a single cotyledon while others have two seed leaves. Because of this mix of features, scientists classify them as basal angiosperms, a middle ground category.

Basal Angiosperms Similar to Water Lilies

  • Star Anise
  • Egyptian Lotus
  • Illicium
  • Five-Flavor Berry
  • Watershield