umbellet

An umbellet is a small umbel, which is a flower cluster characteristic of plants in the family Apiaceae, formerly known as Umbelliferae. In a typical umbel, a main stalk, called the peduncle, branches into several smaller stalks, called pedicels, each bearing a flower. An umbellet is formed when the pedicels of an umbel then branch further into even smaller stalks, or raylets, each terminating in a single flower. This creates a more complex, compound inflorescence structure.

The arrangement of flowers in umbellets contributes to the overall umbrella-like shape of the mature inflorescence. This structure is common in many plants, including carrots, dill, parsley, and fennel. The term "umbellet" specifically refers to one of the smaller umbels that make up a larger, compound umbel. The transition from umbel to umbellet involves a hierarchical branching pattern of the floral stalks. This organization maximizes the exposure of individual flowers to pollinators.