Apiaceae Lecture Exam

Question 1

What were two noteworthy morphological characteristics of the members of the Apiaceae family?

Answer 1

-Umbellate flower head
-leaves often compound, usually dissected
-often hollow stems

Question 2

Based on the geographic origins of celery, what conditions do you think it would prefer in the garden?

Answer 2

due to its origins in Mediterranean Europe, it prefers salty, wet marshland habitats

Question 3

Why do you suppose Aegepodium podagraria (Snow on the Mountain or ‘Goutweed’) is at its invasive worst when it reseeds in its native green form?

Answer 3

These leaves do not have variegation, so the entirety of the leaves contain chlorophyll and can photosynthesize.

Question 4

One member of the family commonly used in culinary settings has two different names, what is it? How is it used?

Answer 4

Cilantro- refers to the leaves and stems
Coriander- refers to the fruits of the plant

Question 5

What is likely the most toxic plant you could find growing in Minnesota?

Answer 5

Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

Question 6

What is the big deal about wild parsnip?

Answer 6

It is a highly invasive biennial plant that spreads rapidly by seed and has spread through most of MN.
It also can cause phytophotodermatitis, chemical burn precipitated by sunlight

Question 7

What are three ecosystem services provided by members of the Apiaceae?

Answer 7

1) attracts pollinators
2) attracts predatory insects and conceals them
3) exclusive food and host (egg-laying) plants for the black swallowtail butterfly. larvae accumulates the toxins from these plants to deter predators