Loxageae

Loxageae is a tribe within the family Apiaceae, commonly known as the parsley or carrot family. This tribe primarily comprises herbaceous plants, often characterized by their aromatic foliage and intricate flower structures. The distribution of Loxageae is largely concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere, with notable species found in Europe, Asia, and North America.

A defining characteristic of Loxageae is its inflorescence, typically an umbel, which is a flower cluster characteristic of the Apiaceae family. These umbels are often compound, meaning they consist of smaller umbels called umblets. The flowers within Loxageae are usually small and white or yellowish, though variations exist. The fruits are schizocarps, a type of dry fruit that splits into two single-seeded segments.

One of the most well-known genera within Loxageae is Smyrnium. Species in this genus, such as Smyrnium olusatrum, commonly known as alexanders, have a long history of cultivation as a vegetable and medicinal plant. Other genera in Loxageae include Loxolobus and, in some classifications, the monotypic genus Loxacanthus. The taxonomic placement of certain species within Loxageae has been subject to revision as genetic studies provide new insights into evolutionary relationships within the Apiaceae. Research into the phytochemical composition of Loxageae species continues to reveal potential medicinal properties and culinary uses.