The socio-economic importance of the Apiales

Abstract

Within the Apiales, the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) is by far the most important family, both economically and socially. Although it includes the carrot (Daucus carota), one of the world’s leading root crops, and other widely consumed vegetables such as parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), celery and celeriac (Apium graveolens), the family is perhaps best known for its remarkable diversity of culinary herbs, flavourings, condiments and spices, such as parsley, dill, coriander, anise, chervil, caraway, and cumin which are extensively used in cuisines across the world. It also contains several gum resins and a number of species are used medicinally, while some are poisonous. Several species play an important role as local food crops such as Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), a high-value cash crop for poor farmers in the Andes and Lomatium species whose starchy edible roots are used as traditional Native American food. On the negative side, the family contains several weeds and a notorious invasive species, Heracleum ‘mantegazzianum’ which can also cause severe skin blistering. Economically, the Araliaceae contains a number of important ornamental plants grown largely for their attractive foliage such as species of Hedera (ivy), Fatsia japonica, and Schleffera. It is also well known for a group of species known as ginseng, notably Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolia, which are renowned for their apparent stimulant, tonic and aphrodisiac properties. The other families in the Apiales are of little economic importance. The genetic resources and breeding of Araliaceous crops, except for carrot and ginseng, have received little attention