Family Umbelliferae, also known as the Apiaceae family, is a widely distributed family of flowering plants that includes approximately 3,700 species. The name "Umbelliferae" refers to the distinctive inflorescence arrangement, where the flowers are arranged in umbels, which are small, compact clusters of flowers borne on stalks of similar length radiating from a common point.
Members of the Family Umbelliferae are commonly referred to as umbellifers, or more specifically, as the carrot or parsley family. They are easily recognized by their characteristic flowers and highly aromatic qualities. Some well-known genera within this family include carrots (Daucus), parsley (Petroselinum), fennel (Foeniculum), and celery (Apium graveolens).
Plants in the Family Umbelliferae are typically herbaceous, but can range in size from small annuals to large perennials. They often have hollow stems and divided or compound leaves. The flowers are usually small, white or yellow, and five-petaled, with a prominent central disc of tiny florets. The fruit is typically a schizocarp, which splits into two halves or mericarps, each containing a single seed.
Many members of the Family Umbelliferae have culinary, medicinal, or aromatic uses. For example, carrots and celery are commonly consumed as vegetables, while parsley is used as a seasoning herb. Some species, such as fennel, have traditional medicinal uses for digestive ailments. Others, like poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), are highly toxic and should be avoided.
In summary, the Family Umbelliferae is a diverse group of flowering plants characterized by their umbel inf
