
Umbellifers (Apiaceae) are a family within the Apiales order and with 300 genera and 3000 species are a large plant family. The major geographical positions are in the dry subtropical areas of the northern hemisphere, the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. The plants of this family are characterized by typical flowers in the form of an umbel. The general of this family strongly resemble each other and usually have composed alternating leaves, double umbels which are characterized by small 5-numbered flowers with low placed ovary with two carpels. In vegetable agriculture important are especially Florence fennel, lovage, wild carrot, celery, parsnip and parsley, that is root crops. Umbellifers are biennial: In the first year (usable) tubers and roots develop, in the second year flowering and seeds develop.