ABSTRACT
The genus Pimpinella L. (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae) comprises 150 species distributed in Eurasia and Africa, over 16 of which are present in Europe. The derived condition of the family Apiaceae in which Pimpinella is included can be established by certain characters that are frequently found in the group: the generally herbaceous habit of the family; the frequent presence of compound leaves; and the small, inconspicuous flowers, with few floral parts arranged in whorls and grouped in umbel-shaped inflorescences, the result of prolonged coevolution with insects. The presence of inferious ovaries composed of sealed carpels is a further indication of the degree of evolution.
