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Apiaceae

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Umbellifers
Inflorescence of wildAngelica
(Angelica sylvestris)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Division:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Apiaceae(orUmbelliferae)

Type genus
Apium
Genera

including:

Umbellifers(Umbelliferae/Apiaceae) areangiospermsincludingcumin,parsley,carrot,coriander/cilantro,dill,caraway,fennel,parsnip,celery,anise,and other relatives. It is a large family with about 300generaand more than 3,000species.It is the 16th-largest family of flowering plants, with more than 3,700speciesin 434genera.[1]There are a small number of poisonous plants.Hemlockhas aparalysingeffect. There are a lot of phototoxic species. Light causes changes which produce toxic chemicals. Phototoxicity causes a chemically induced skin irritation. It needs light, and does not involve theimmune system.It is a type of photosensitivity.

Flower format

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The defining characteristic of the family is theinflorescence.The flowers usually grouped in terminal umbels, as shown in the photograph. They are usually compound, and called umbelliform cymes. They are groups of groups.

References

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  1. Stevens P.F. (2001 onwards).Angiosperm Phylogeny Website.Version 9, June 2008.