Cotyledons

Cotyledons are the first leaves that emerge from a germinating seed, serving as the initial source of nutrients to the developing plant. They often appear differently from the plant’s true leaves and help support early growth by supplying energy until the plant can produce its own food through photosynthesis. In some plants, like beans or peas, these are large and prominent, while in others, they may be small or absent. Cotyledons play a crucial role in seedling development, acting as a bridge between seed energy reserves and mature foliage.