Umbellule

An umbellule is a small umbel, which is a type of flower cluster. In botanical terms, an umbel is an inflorescence where a number of flower stalks (pedicels) radiate from a single point, much like the spokes of an umbrella. When this structure is itself part of a larger, more complex inflorescence, the smaller, secondary umbel is called an umbellule.

Umbellules are a characteristic feature of the Apiaceae family, commonly known as the carrot family or parsley family. This family includes well-known plants such as carrots, parsnips, parsley, dill, fennel, and hemlock. The overall flower structure in these plants is often a compound umbel, composed of many smaller umbellules. Each umbellule, in turn, contains numerous small flowers. The arrangement of these umbellules within the larger compound umbel creates a distinctive, often flat-topped or convex, flower head. The presence and arrangement of umbellules are important diagnostic features for identifying species within the Apiaceae family.