umbelliferous

Umbelliferous is an adjective used in botany to describe plants that bear umbels, which are a type of inflorescence characterized by a central point from which branches radiate, each bearing a flower. This structure is common in the Apiaceae family, which includes many familiar plants such as carrots, parsley, and celery. The term "umbelliferous" is derived from the Latin word "umbella," meaning umbrella, reflecting the shape of the inflorescence. Plants with umbelliferous inflorescences often exhibit a distinctive, fan-like appearance, contributing to their identification and classification within the botanical kingdom.