Epigeal germination of a seed is characterized by more rapid elongation of the epicotyl than the hypocotyl. This means that the part of the plant above the cotyledons (the epicotyl) will grow faster and emerge from the soil, while the part below the cotyledons (the hypocotyl) will also grow but at a slower rate. In other words, the shoot will grow faster than the root during epigeal germination. This type of germination is commonly seen in dicotyledonous plants such as beans, peas, and sunflowers.