Apiaceae

Apium is the Latin name for celery. This family is also known by the old name or alternative name of Umbelliferae. Mostly herbs with hollow internodes; a subfamily which includes the shrub Mackinlaya has been transferred from the Araliaceae to the Apiaceae. Leaves are alternate, simple often dissected, or compound. Inflorescence is usually a simple or compound umbel, occasionally a panicle; flowers 5-merous. The inferior ovary bears 2 styles, which have a swollen base called a stylopodium; fruit dry often flattened. Many are used as culinary herbs because of the aromatic oils which are present in many parts.