Pronunciation: [ˈʌmbə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "umbels" refers to a type of flower arrangement in which smaller flowers grow from a common stem, forming a cluster resembling an umbrella. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), where "u" is pronounced as /ʌ/, "m" as /m/, "b" as /b/, "e" as /ɛ/, and "l" as /l/. The plural marker "s" is pronounced as /s/. Therefore, the IPA transcription for "umbels" is /ˈʌmbəlz/.
Umbels are botanical structures found in certain flowering plants, specifically in the Apiaceae family, formerly known as the Umbelliferae family. This term refers to the arrangement of flowers on the plant, rather than denoting a separate botanical structure.
An umbel is characterized by a flat or rounded, umbrella-like cluster of flowers. The flowers are borne on individual stalks that radiate from a common point at the top of the stem, known as the peduncle. The peduncle gives rise to several secondary stalks known as pedicels, each supporting an individual flower. These pedicels are uniform in length, creating a symmetrical and usually convex cluster.
Umbels are typically composed of many small, individual flowers, each with its own petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils. The flowers in an umbel are usually radially symmetrical, with a circular or rounded appearance. The number of pedicels and flowers in an umbel can vary greatly between species, ranging from a few to hundreds.
Umbels are commonly seen in plants such as carrots, parsley, and dill, where they form umbrella-like clusters of white, yellow, or pinkish flowers. These structures attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, by providing an easily accessible platform for them to land on and collect nectar or pollen. Umbels are an important floral arrangement characteristic used in plant identification and classification.
The word "umbels" is derived from the Late Latin "umbella", which means "a sunshade" or "a little umbrella". It is a diminutive form of the Latin word "umbra", meaning "shade" or "shadow". The term "umbels" specifically refers to a type of inflorescence in which a cluster of flowers are arranged on short stalks, radiating from a common point like the ribs of an umbrella.
