umbel n : flat-topped or rounded inflorescence characteristic of the family Umbelliferae in which the individual flower stalks arise from about the same point; youngest flowers are at the center

English

Etymology

From Latin umbella ("umbrella").

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ʌmbəl

Noun

1. A flat-topped or rounded flower-cluster (= inflorescence) in which the individual flower stalks arise from the same point, the youngest flowers being at the centre.

Translations

• German: Dolde

Related terms

• umbellet
• umbellule
• Umbelliferae
• umbelliferous

An umbel is an inflorescence which consists of a number of short flower stalks (called pedicels) which are equal in length and spread from a common point, somewhat like umbrella ribs.

Umbels are a characteristic of plants such as carrot, parsley, dill, and fennel in the family Apiaceae, and ivy, aralia and fatsia in the family Araliaceae.

A compressed cyme is called umbelliform if it resembles an umbel.