Eudicots represent the largest clade of flowering plants, comprising approximately 75% of all species and characterised by pollen having three apertures. Eudicots consist of a basal grade and a large (core eudicot) clade, which comprises the majority of species. Evolution of flowers in core eudicots is highly diverse and is driven by repeated diversifications of pollination mechanisms. Two major clades, the Asterids and Rosids, have evolved separately and have attained a high level of diversity. Eudicots are a highly successful group of plants, occupying almost all habitats on earth. Apart from Poaceae in the monocots, the major food crops are found in the core eudicots. Flowers of eudicots are mostly with parts in five and with a differentiated perianth of sepals and petals. Specific pollination mechanisms have led to groups with specialised animal‐pollinated zygomorphic flowers (Leguminosae and Lamiales) or wind‐pollinated apetalous flowers (Fagales and Caryophyllales). Dispersal mechanisms are also highly diverse.

Key Concepts:

• Eudicots contain the highest concentration of economic plants outside the grasses.
  
• Molecular phylogenies have almost resolved the relationships within eudicots.
  
• Eudicots occupy almost all habitats on earth and range from the smallest to the largest flowering plants.
  
• Eudicots represent the most successful plant group with the highest number of species in the flowering plants.
  
• Eudicots are composed of a basal grade of early diverging eudicots and a clade of core eudicots.
  
• Petals have evolved several times from stamens or from bracts.
  
• The origin of the core eudicot flower remains controversial.
  
• Floral evolution in eudicots is mainly dependent on diversity of pollination systems.
  
• Flowers of core eudicots have undergone opposing trends of reduction and increased complexity.
  
• The distinction dicot–monocot should be abandoned, as it does not represent a natural division.