The carrot is indeed an umbelliferous plant . The term “ umbelliferous plant ” have-to doe with to plants in the syndicate Apiaceae , which was formerly known as Umbelliferae . This family is quite divers , with around 3,700 species . Among these are some economically authoritative crop veggie , including carrots , cultivated celery , and parsnips . to boot , many popular aromatic herb go to this kinsfolk , such as coriander , cumin , dill weed , and fennel .

I have always found the Apiaceae household fascinating , especially because it includes both culinary delectation and beautiful wild flower . One of the most well - known members of this family is the carrot . Carrots are widely consumed around the world and are a staple in many cuisines . They are not only delicious but also extremely nourishing , packed with vitamin , mineral , and antioxidant .

carrot are biyearly plants , intend they have a two - year life sentence cycle . In the first year , the plant produces a russet scab of leave and a long , lithesome taproot . The leaves are pinnated , mean they are split up into smaller leaflets arranged on either side of a central base . The second year is when the plant blossom , producing tall angry walk with umbrella - similar clusters of small white flowers , distinctive of the family Apiaceae .

These flower clusters , known as umbels , give the class its former name , Umbelliferae . The umbel consist of multiple individual flowers coiffure in a flat - topped or rounded cluster . Each blossom has five petals , often with distinctive shapes or convention , and five stamens . The flowers are ordinarily pollinate by insects , such as bee and butterfly , pull in to their nectar and pollen .

After anthesis , the carrot plant go to seed , producing small , teetotal yield known as schizocarp . These fruit are characteristic of the Apiaceae syndicate and are often cite to as “ seeds ” in culinary contexts . Each schizocarp contains two seeds , which are commonly referred to as carrot seeds .

Carrot come are small , elongated , and slightly curved . They have a hard outer coat , which can make germination a bit challenging . It is often urge to overcharge the seeds before planting to serve buffer the coat and promote better sprouting . Carrots are typically grown from semen immediately seed into the soil , as they do not transplant well due to their finespun and sensitive roots .

In my own gardening experience , I have find growing carrot to be a rewarding enterprise . I remember the excitation of seeing the first tiny seedlings emerge from the territory , follow by the gradual development of their vivacious green foliage . As the plants matured , I eagerly watched for signs of inflorescence , patiently expect for the moment when the umbel would burst into bloom .

I have also had the joy of witnessing the wide orbit of wildflowers in the Apiaceae family . During nature walks and hikes , I have encountered stunning displays of touchy clean , yellow , or pink umbel dotting the landscape . These wildflower pull various pollinator , summate life story and color to the surround environment .

The cultivated carrot is indeed an umbellifer , belonging to the family Apiaceae ( formerly Umbelliferae ) . This diverse phratry cover numerous economically important crop vegetables and popular aromatic herb . The cultivated carrot , with its classifiable umbel of small clean flowers and schizocarp fruits , is a prime good example of the peach and versatility line up within the Apiaceae family .

Caroline Bates