Apiales facts for kids
The Apiales are a large group of flowering plants. They are known as an "order" in the world of plant classification. This group includes many well-known plants. Some examples are carrots, celery, and parsley. It also includes ginseng.
Quick facts for kids Apiales |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Inflorescence of a wild carrot, Daucus carota, in the Apiaceae family. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: |
Apiales
|
| Families | |
|
|
Contents
Discovering the Apiales Plant Order
The Apiales are a major group of flowering plants. Scientists use a system to organize all living things. This system places plants into different categories. "Order" is one of these important categories. The Apiales order was first described by a Japanese botanist named Takenoshin Nakai.
What Makes Apiales Plants Unique?
Many plants in the Apiales order share special features. A common feature is their flowers. They often grow in umbrella-like clusters. This type of flower arrangement is called an "umbel." You can see this shape in plants like dill or wild carrot.
These plants are also part of a larger group called asterids. Asterids are a very big group of dicotyledons. Dicotyledons are plants that have two seed leaves when they first sprout. This is different from monocotyledons, which only have one seed leaf.
Families Within the Apiales Order
The Apiales order includes several important plant families. Each family has its own unique plants. Here are some of the main families you'll find:
The Carrot Family (Apiaceae)
The Apiaceae family is probably the most famous in Apiales. It includes many plants we eat every day.
- Carrots: These are root vegetables known for their orange color.
- Celery: A crunchy green vegetable often used in salads.
- Parsley: A popular herb used for flavoring food.
- Dill: Another herb, often used with fish or pickles.
- Coriander (Cilantro): Both the leaves and seeds are used in cooking.
This family also includes some plants that are not safe to eat, so it's important to know the difference.
The Ginseng Family (Araliaceae)
The Araliaceae family includes plants known for their medicinal uses.
- Ginseng: This plant's roots are often used in traditional medicine. People believe it helps with energy and health.
- Ivy: Many types of ivy, like English ivy, belong to this family. They are often used as ornamental plants.
Other Interesting Families
Besides Apiaceae and Araliaceae, there are other families in Apiales. These include:
- Pittosporaceae: This family has many shrubs and small trees. They are often grown for their attractive leaves and flowers.
- Griseliniaceae: This family includes trees and shrubs mostly found in New Zealand and South America.
- Torricelliaceae: This is a smaller family. It includes a few types of trees.
Scientists are always learning more about plants. Sometimes, they make small changes to how plants are grouped. This helps them understand the plant world even better.
See also
In Spanish: Apiales para niños
