Umbel

Species of flowering plant

An umbel is a type of inflorescence that is characteristic of the Apiaceae family, although it can be found in other plant families as well. The structure of an umbel is such that the flower stalks, known as pedicels, arise from a common point, much like the ribs of an umbrella. This arrangement can be simple or compound, with the latter having secondary umbels, known as umbellets, branching off the main umbel.

Description

Umbels are typically flat-topped or rounded and can vary greatly in size. The individual flowers within an umbel are often small and can be either bisexual or unisexual. The arrangement of flowers in an umbel allows for efficient pollination, as it provides a large landing platform for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Examples

Several well-known plants feature umbels, including:

• Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace) - Known for its delicate, lace-like umbels.
• Fatsia japonica - Features large, spherical umbels.
• Primula veris - Commonly known as cowslip, with its characteristic yellow umbels.
• Pelargonium zonale - Often grown as a garden plant, with colorful umbels.

Ecological Significance

Umbels play a significant role in the ecology of their environments. They attract a variety of pollinators, which are crucial for the reproduction of these plants. The structure of the umbel allows for easy access to nectar and pollen, making them a preferred choice for many insects.

Related pages

• Inflorescence
• Apiaceae
• Pollination

Gallery

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  Conioselinum pacificum

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  Daucus carota

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  Fatsia japonica

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  Primula veris

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  Pelargonium zonale

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  Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace)

References

• Michael,

 The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms, 
  
 Cambridge University Press, 
 2000, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0-521-79401-3,

• Bell, Adrian D.,

 Plant Form: An Illustrated Guide to Flowering Plant Morphology, 
 Oxford University Press, 
 2008,

• 

  Conioselinum pacificum

• 

  Daucus carota

• 

  Fatsia japonica

• 

  Primula veris

• 

  Pelargonium zonale

• 

  Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace)