Apieae

Apieae is a tribe of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, commonly known as the carrot or parsley family. It lies within the subfamily Apioideae and takes its name from the type genus Apium. The circumscription of Apieae has shifted with advances in molecular phylogenetics, and its composition has changed as relationships among genera within Apiaceae have been clarified.

The tribe comprises several genera, including Apium, and its members are primarily found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with some representatives extending into Africa and parts of Asia. As with many Apiaceae, Apieae species tend to be herbaceous and can exhibit a range of growth forms from annual to perennial.

Morphologically, plants in Apieae typically share features common to the Apiaceae. They often have hollow stems, pinnately or deeply divided leaves, and umbellate inflorescences bearing small flowers that are usually white or pale. The fruit is typically a schizocarp that splits into two mericarps, a characteristic fruit type of the family.

In taxonomy, Apieae has been the subject of revisions as molecular data have reshaped the understanding of Apiaceae relationships. While the tribe continues to be recognized in many classifications, exact boundaries and included genera may differ among systems, reflecting ongoing phylogenetic research.

Uses and significance of Apieae are linked to some of its genera that contribute to human cuisine and horticulture. Species within the tribe are sometimes cultivated or used for culinary herbs and vegetables, though the specific placement of cultivated species can vary depending on the taxonomic framework used.