APIACEAE (formerly the Umbelliferae) John Navazio Organic Seed Alliance

Apiaceae family 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 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 –Anethum graveolens – dill –Carum carvi - caraway –Coriandrum sativum – coriander –Cuminum cyminum – cumin –Foeniculum vulgare – sweet fennel –Myrrhis odourata – sweet cicely –Pimpinella anisum - anise