Leaves alternate and much divided, sheathing at base
Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic, infl. an umbel, compound umbel or rarely capitate (Eryngium)
Fruit a dry schizocarp splitting into two mericarps
300 genera, 3000 species
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE:
Food
1. Daucus carota (Carrots) - tap root
2. Pastinaca sativa (Parsnips) - tap root
3. Apium graveolens (Celery) - expanded leaf petiole
Flavoring
A. Herbage - referred to as herbs
1. Petroselinum crispum (Parsley)
2. Anthriscus cerefolium (Chervil)
3. Anethum graveolens (Dill)
4. Coriandrum sativum (Cilantro)
B. Dried fruits - referred to as spices
1. Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
2. Cuminum cyminum (Cumin)
3. Pimpinella anisum (Anise)
4. Apium sativum (Celery seed)
5. Carum carvi (Caraway seed)
6. Corandrum sativum (Coriander)
7. Anethum graveolens (Dill)
Poisons
A. Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock) used to kill Socrates
B. Cicuta maculata (Water Hemlock) - possibly more poisonous than Conium
Diagnostic characteristics: Herbs, infl. an umbel, leaves much divided, fruit a schizocarp
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