umbelbearing

Umbels are a type of inflorescence, which is a flower cluster. An umbelbearing plant is one that produces flowers in this specific arrangement. In an umbel, a number of flower stalks, called pedicels, arise from a single point on the main stem, much like the spokes of an umbrella. This creates a flattened or rounded flower cluster. The individual flowers within an umbel are typically small but can be numerous, giving the overall impression of a single, larger flower head.

This arrangement is characteristic of several plant families, most notably the Apiaceae family, which includes plants like carrots, parsley, dill, and fennel. The Apiaceae family is often referred to as the umbellifer family due to this prominent floral structure. Other families may also exhibit umbel-like inflorescences, though they might be classified differently by botanists. The umbel structure can be simple, where all pedicels originate from the same point, or compound, where the main umbel has smaller umbels (umbellets) branching off its pedicels. This botanical term describes the presence and production of this distinct flower formation.