compound umbel
plant anatomy
Quick Summary
common hogweed
Compound umbels of common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium).
A compound umbel is a type of inflorescence, which is a cluster of flowers on a plant's stem. In a compound umbel, multiple smaller umbels arise from a common point, creating a flat or rounded flower cluster that appears to be at the same level. This structure is characteristic of the carrot family (Apiaceae) and is also found in other plants like wild carrot. The arrangement of flowers in close proximity within a compound umbel facilitates efficient pollination.123
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