Monocots comprise one-quarter of all flowering plants species. They include some of the largest and most familiar groups of plants, including lilies, orchids, agaves, palms, and grasses. They are quite diverse, ranging from tiny duckweeds to large palms and climbing vines.
Economically, monocots are perhaps the most important organisms on Earth. Our four most important foodscorn, rice, wheat, and barley all come from monocots. Bamboo and palms are a primary source of building materials and fibers in many tropical countries. Sugar cane, pineapples, dates, bananas, and many of our familiar tropical fruits also come from monocots.