Introduction to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family: richness, variety and uses
La Apiaceae family, also known as Umbelliferae, is one of the most recognized and valued plant families both from a botanical point of view and for its economic, ecological and cultural relevance. It is made up of more than 400 genera and more than 3.200 species They cover multiple regions of the planet, being widely represented in temperate and subtropical climates, although less present in tropical desert or southern areas. Species in this family have accompanied humans for centuries, forming an essential part of food, medicine, and diverse cultural traditions in numerous civilizations.
In the European context, it is estimated that there are more than 100 genera of Apiaceae present in the wild, while worldwide their diversity is reflected in the extent and adaptability of their species. However, it is important to note, as a common characteristic, that most representatives of this family are herbaceous plants, biennial or perennial, although there are also some shrub genera.
General characteristics of plants of the Apiaceae family
The Apiaceae They are distinguished, above all, by a series of well-defined morphological characteristics, which allow them to be easily recognized even by inexperienced eyes:
- Sheets: Arranged alternately and frequently, divided or deeply cutAt the base, they have a broad, clasping sheath without stipules. The leaf blades can be simple, but it is much more common to see pinnatifid, highly segmented leaves, which give the plant a delicately feathery appearance.
- Stems: Generally fistulous or hollow inside, allowing air and water circulation and providing strength and flexibility to the plant.
- Inflorescence: The most distinctive feature of the family is its umbel inflorescence, compound or simple, meaning the flower stems (rays) originate from a single point, resembling the ribs of an umbrella. In many species, the cluster of secondary umbels clusters together into a single main umbel, forming sophisticated structures that are highly attractive to pollinating insects.
- Flowers: Small in size, they are usually hermaphrodites (although there are species with unisexual flowers), with a generally symmetry actinomorphic (radial), although it is not uncommon to find some cases of zygomorphic flowers. The calyx is very small or even absent and the corolla presents five free petals, often with outer petals more developed than the inner ones, giving a "spectacular" appearance to the umbel.
- Androecium and gynoecium: It normally consists of five stamens and a inferior ovary bicarpellate, with two styles projecting from a nectar-bearing disc called the stylopodium. This disc is essential for collecting nectar, serving as an important food resource for many insects.
- Fruit: The typical fruit is the schizocarp, which is divided longitudinally into two mericarps, each with a seed. These frequently present ribs prominent ones that may be winged or provided with spines, facilitating dispersal and, sometimes, taxonomic recognition.
A biochemical curiosity of the Apiaceae is the presence of oil canals (vitas) in their fruits, which secrete essential oils responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor of many species in the family. In addition, these plants may contain various types of active compounds, such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and coumarins, which are sometimes beneficial and sometimes potentially toxic.
Taxonomy and subfamilies of the Apiaceae
The Apiaceae family has been the subject of several taxonomic revisions, which has led to the creation of synonyms such as umbelliferae, and the inclusion of other alternative names at different times and in different classification systems (e.g., Ammiaceae, Angelicaceae, Bupleuraceae, Coriandraceae, among others). This is due to the complexity and great diversity of species that make up the group.
Currently, the Apiaceae family is structured into several subfamilies:
- apioideae: It is the largest subfamily and has the largest number of genera of nutritional and medicinal interest.
- Azorelloideae: Includes plants adapted mainly to cold and mountain conditions.
- Mackinlayoideae: It groups plants with particular morphological characteristics, present in specific regions.
- Saniculoideae: Composed mainly of species with less typical, more compact inflorescences.
Within the Apiaceae, the genus daucus (where the carrot is) and Phoeniculum (fennel), are two of the most recognized and used, although other genres such as Apium (celery), Pimpinella (anise, visnaga), Petroselinum (parsley), Parsnip (parsnip), among many others, are of great importance. For further information on the cultivation and properties of these species, please consult the complete guide to edible plants.
Ecology and habitats: distribution and endemism of the Apiaceae
Plants of the Apiaceae family have colonized a wide variety of environments, from cliffs and scrublands to coastal dunes, roadsides, farmland in use or abandoned, and even wetlands and saline environments. This adaptability allows them to occupy both rural habitats and those more heavily affected by humans.
In certain regions, especially on islands and Mediterranean areas, there are several species endemic of great scientific and conservation value, such as Apium bermejoi in Menorca, Bupleurum barceloi, Ligusticum huteri y Balearic shipwreck in Mallorca, and Thapsia gymnesica present on both islands. New taxa continue to be studied and confirmed, some of which have an extremely limited distribution.
Detailed morphological characteristics: leaves, stems, inflorescence and fruits
The Apiaceae show great morphological diversity within the same structural pattern. The stem, generally erect and hollow, can reach from a few centimeters to more than a meter in height in some species such as Heracleum mantegazzianumTo learn more about plants that can be grown at home, you can visit the indoor and outdoor plants category.
The leaves alternate, with divided blades and toothed or lobed margins, they present a wide variety of shapes and textures, from nearly linear and thin leaves to broadly indented and filamentous ones. This leaf complexity is used in the identification of species and genera within the family.
La umbel inflorescence facilitates the visit of pollinators, since the flat or hemispherical surface serves as a "landing strip" for insects. In some cases, the umbel is accompanied by a bract involucre at the base of the main spokes, and a involucellus of bracteoles in the secondary umbels, which adds visual complexity and functionality.
The flowers They can be white, greenish, yellow or pink, and although they are almost always hermaphroditic and actinomorphic, there are cases of zygomorphic and unisexual flowers. In the center of the umbel of species such as Daucus carota, highlights a dark-colored sterile flower which acts as a decoy, imitating the presence of an insect to attract even more pollinators.
El schizocarp fruitThe characteristic of the family is that it fragments into two monospermous mericarps, with longitudinal ribs that may be modified into wings or spines. Beneath the ribs are the oil canals, responsible for the aromatic richness and essential oil production of many Apiaceae.
Main genera and relevant species of Apiaceae
- Carrot (Daucus carota): Both the wild and cultivated forms are recognized worldwide. The root of the wild variety is edible only when young, as it becomes woody and hardens as it ages.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Widely used in cooking and traditional medicine, it is known for its aniseed fragrance and digestive properties. Its stems, leaves, and seeds are valuable flavorings.
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Essential in the gastronomy of many cultures, appreciated for its fresh and light flavor.
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Noted for its fruits with a sweet anise-like aroma and flavor, the base of drinks and traditional remedies.
- Celery (Apium graveolens): Grown for its juicy stems, it is a staple vegetable in the diet and has recognized diuretic functions.
- Parsnip (Sativa parsnip): A white, starchy, sweet root used in soups, purées, and various stews. To learn more about its cultivation, see this article. article on sowing seeds.
- Visnaga (ammi visnaga): Traditionally used in medicine, especially in the treatment of urinary diseases.
- Hemlock (Conium maculatum): One of the most plants poisonous from Europe, famous for its use in antiquity (the death of Socrates) and for the potent alkaloids present in its tissue. For more information, see the link about carrot pests.
- Dill (Anethum graveolens): Highly valued as a condiment and for its aromatic qualities.
- Eryngium (Sea thistle): Runner and sea thistle, with medicinal and ornamental uses. For more information, please visit the category on medicinal plants.
- Heracleum mantegazzianum: Large and beautiful ornamental plant, although potentially invasive.
- Torilis arvensis (puppy): Although its nutritional value is limited, it stands out for its importance in ecosystems, serving as food for lepidopteran caterpillars.
Ecology and relationships with auxiliary fauna and pollination
The Apiaceae play a fundamental ecological role , the food source for numerous insects Pollinators such as bees, wasps, hoverflies, and beetles. The umbel shape facilitates visits by pollinators, and its flat structure provides a landing platform for species with limited flying skills. This relationship plant-arthropods This is especially evident in species such as wild carrots, whose umbels also act as hunting grounds and refuges for predators such as spiders, contributing to the biological control of pests in agroecosystems. When the umbel matures, the rays bend, forming a refuge for insects that complete their development there.
The presence of Apiaceae in gardens, margins, fallow lands, and ditches promotes biodiversity and ecological balance, attracting both pollinators and natural enemies of agricultural pests.
Chemical properties and active ingredients in the Apiaceae family
The Apiaceae are distinguished by their complex chemical profile, resulting from the presence of:
- Aromatic essential oils: Stored in the oil channels of leaves, stems and fruits, they are responsible for the characteristic smell of species such as fennel, anise and dill.
- Toxic alkaloids: In species such as hemlock (Conium maculatum), oenanthotoxin (Oenanthe) and cicutoxin (Hemlock), potent neurotoxins dangerous to humans and animals.
- Flavonoids: Such as kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin and apiin, with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Saponins: Present in certain species such as Physospermum verticillatum.
- Coumarins: Like umbelliferin, frequently used as taxonomic markers and with various pharmacological applications.
- Mono and polyacetylene compounds: Like falcarinol (in daucus), of both dietary and food biosecurity interest.
The diversity of active ingredients explains the coexistence of edible and medicinal species alongside other potentially harmful ones. poisonous, requiring correct identification before using any wild species for food or medicinal purposes.
Culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses of Apiaceae
La Economic importance of the Apiaceae lies in its versatility of uses:
- Feeding: Numerous species are essential in the human diet (carrot, [], celery, parsnip, fennel, parsley, anise, dill, coriander, cumin, etc.), whether consumed as roots, stems, leaves, or fruits. Some species, such as samphire, are eaten pickled.
- Seasonings and Spices: Fruits and leaves of Pimpinella anisum, ammi visnaga, Petroselinum crispum, among others, provide flavor and aroma to countless culinary recipes around the world.
- Traditional medicine: Many Apiaceae have medicinal properties, such as fennel (digestive and carminative), visnaga (urinary spasmolytic), celery (diuretic), venus comb (Scandix pecten veneris), among others. However, some, such as hemlock, are highly poisonous and their use is restricted to strictly scientific applications.
- Ornamentation: Species such as cañaheja (Ferula communis) or Heracleum mantegazzianum They are planted in gardens both for their attractiveness and for their ecological value.
- Ecological control: Due to their ability to attract beneficial auxiliary fauna, they are a key tool in organic farming and integrated pest management.
Risks and toxicity in Apiaceae plants
Despite their usefulness, some species of Apiaceae stand out for their high degree of toxicity due to the presence of potent alkaloids that can cause severe poisoning. This is the case with hemlock, water hemlock and certain Oenanthe, accidental consumption of which can be fatal. For further prevention, please consult the .
Main cultivated species and traditional uses by region
The domestication of species such as carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus), celery, parsley, cilantro, fennel y anise This has allowed the development of varieties adapted to different climatic conditions, soils, and cultivation requirements. In the Mediterranean basin and Europe, the culinary and medicinal use of these species dates back to classical antiquity, appearing in treatises by Dioscorides, Pliny, and Theophrastus. For more information, see the .
Some species, such as visnaga (ammi visnaga), have been used since ancient Egyptian times in treatments for urinary conditions, while the root of Daucus carota It has been used as a food and natural coloring. Safflower (Crithmum maritime) is popular in the diet of coastal regions, where it is eaten pickled.
Cultivation and maintenance practices for Apiaceae in the orchard and garden
The Apiaceae are characterized by their resistance and rusticity in a wide range of soils and climates, making them ideal for domestic and organic cultivation. It is recommended:
- Sowing: They are usually planted in late winter or spring, depending on the local climate. They require well-drained soil and some sun exposure.
- Care: They don't require excessive maintenance. Weed control and moderate watering are sufficient for most species.
- Flowering and life cycle: Many Apiaceae are biennial, meaning they flower and bear fruit in their second year. It's advisable not to remove the plants after flowering, as their seeds will facilitate regeneration and maintain the population in the orchard or garden.
- Ecological control: The presence of umbels favors the establishment of auxiliaries, contributing to the natural biological protection of the crop.
Species such as wild carrots do not require intensive maintenance and tend to sprout spontaneously, representing excellent sources of nectar and pollen with an added benefit in terms of biodiversity.
Outstanding examples of plant-insect relationships in Apiaceae
La umbel of Daucus carota It is an excellent example of plant-insect interaction. Its structure serves as a feeding ground and breeding ground for pollinators and predators. The central dark sterile flower acts as a decoy to attract insects and increase the chances of pollination. In turn, these plants provide refuge for predatory entomofauna, contributing to the natural regulation of pests.
Comparison with other plant families and evolutionary adaptations
Compared with other families such as Asteraceae, Brassicaceae or Fabaceae, Apiaceae have developed specific adaptations in their inflorescences and vegetative organs This has allowed them to colonize highly diverse habitats and take advantage of less saturated pollination niches. The evolution of the umbel and the production of essential oils are key strategies in the family's survival and diversification.
Current importance and ecological future of the Apiaceae
Interest in plants of the Apiaceae family has grown significantly in recent decades due to their nutritional, pharmacological, ecological, and ornamental potential. current scientific research continues to find new applications for the bioactive compounds present in many species, while organic farming and permaculture recognize the value of these plants for biodiversity and the resilience of agricultural systems.
Furthermore, the conservation of endemic species and the protection of natural habitats that support native populations of Apiaceae are priority aspects in many flora conservation programs.
The plants of the Apiaceae family constitute, therefore, a vast and complex plant group whose morphological, chemical and ecological characteristics making them key players in the balance of ecosystems, the maintenance of agrobiodiversity, and human health. Whether in the kitchen or in pharmacology, in the garden or orchard, Apiaceae will continue to occupy a prominent place for their versatility and multiple benefits, without losing sight of the necessary precautions in their recognition and handling.
