Download APIACEAE (formerly the Umbelliferae)

APIACEAE
(formerly the Umbelliferae)
John Navazio
Organic Seed Alliance
Apiaceae family
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250 Genera
2800 Species
Relatively little research of cultivated spp.
Cultivated spp. characterized by strong
and unique flavor/aromatic compounds
• Many of these volatiles may have benefits
as nutraceuticals/”functional foods”
• Carrots are currently best plant source of
beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A)
Apiaceae flowers
• All have a compound “umbel” (umbrella
like) inflorescence
• Flowers occur in umbellets with pedicels
that arise from an apex of an inflorescence
• Perfect flowers with a five lobed calyx with
five petals and five stamens
• Inferior ovaries are two-celled, thereby
producing two seeds
Apiaceae seeds
• Primary or “King” umbel is produced at the
terminus of the main floral stem
• Terminating the branches from the main
stem are secondary umbels with continued
growth of third and fourth order umbels
• Fruit is a schizocarp w 2 mericarps/seeds
• Seed often has ribs w spines or wings
which have oil ducts and are removed
Common Cultivated Apiaceae
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Apium graveolens – celery, celeriac
Coriandrum sativum – cilantro, coriander
Daucus carota – carrot
Foeniculum vulgare - fennel, Florence fennel
Myrrhis odourata – sweet cicely
Pastinaca sativa – parsnip
Petroselinum cripum – Hamburg parsley, flat leaf
parsley, moss curled parsley
Apiaceae – root crops
• Root crops; biennials require vernalization
– Apium graveolens – celeriac
– Arracacia xanthorrhiza – arracacha
– Chaerophyllum bulbosum - Turnip-rooted
chervil
– Daucus carota – carrot
– Pastinaca sativa – parsnip
– Petroselinum cripum – Hamburg parsley
Apiaceae – foliage crops
• Foliage crops used both fresh and as
cooked “potherbs”
• Both leaves and petioles are prized
– Anethum graveolens - dill
– Apium graveolens – celery
– Coriandrum sativum – cilantro
– Foeniculum vulgare – Florence fennel
– Levisticum officinale – lovage
– Petroselinum cripum - parsley
Apiaceae – seed crops
• Volatiles or “essential oils” make these crops
important as spices or medicines
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Anethum graveolens – dill
Carum carvi - caraway
Coriandrum sativum – coriander
Cuminum cyminum – cumin
Foeniculum vulgare – sweet fennel
Myrrhis odourata – sweet cicely
Pimpinella anisum - anise