Compared Monocots include grasses, lilies, irises, and palms. Stems A vascular bundle is a multistranded cord of primary xylem and phloem running lengthwise through the stem ground tissue. The stems of most dicots have vascular bundles arranged as a ring that divides the ground tissue into the outer cortex and inner pith. In most monocots, the vascular bundles are scattered throughout the ground tissue. Characteristics of Leaves Leaves are metabolic factories equipped with photosynthetic cells.
Leaves vary enormously in shape, size, texture and surface.
Monocot leaves tend to have a flat surface, like a knife blade, the base of which encircles and sheaths the stem. Leaf Internal Structure Leaves represent a large surface area that is exposed to sunlight and carbon dioxide. Photosynthetic parenchyma cells are located in the mesophyll. Air spaces participate in gaseous exchange. Stomata are located mostly on the lower epidermis.