Core eudicots

Clade of eudicots

Food, Plant source foods, Flowering plats (angiospermae), Mesangiosperms, Eudicots

Consumption area(s): Earth

Note: For better understanding, please read the article on flowering plants (angiospermae) first. If you come across unfamiliar words, you can click on any highlighted term to open the glossary with definitions of key botanical terms.

Introduction

The core eudicots make up a vast and varied group within the angiosperms, including plants that differ greatly in their growth habits, physical traits, and global distribution. This clade reflects a deep level of evolutionary complexity and ecological versatility.

Description of core eudicots

Core eudicots are marked by a distinct floral pattern that sharply contrasts with that of Magnoliids, monocots, and basal eudicots. Their flowers usually show a clear division between sepals and petals, which tend to appear in fives or multiples of five. A common trait is having stamens in double the number of petals, while the gynoecium typically includes three to five carpels that are at least partly fused. A small nectar disc often surrounds the base of the ovary.

These plants usually have bisexual flowers with radial symmetry, although in some cases the floral shape can be bilaterally symmetrical. This structural consistency across the group reflects a high degree of evolutionary refinement.

The pollen of core eudicots presents another defining trait. Like other eudicots, their grains have three longitudinal furrows (colpi). However, what sets them apart is the presence of a small circular pore located in the middle of each groove. This type of pollen, known as tricolpate is a shared derived trait—unique to this group and plays a role in the efficiency of pollen tube emergence.

Classification of core eudicots

The core eudicots clade is itself further divided into clades:

• Superasterids (beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, chili peppers, eggplants, lemons, lettuce, parsley, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb, sage, spinach, thyme, tomatoes)
• Superrosids (apricots, cacao, cloves, cherries, beans, figs, strawberries, apples, pears, peaches, peas, currants, mustard, grapes, zucchini)