Pelargonium zonale umbel

The umbel shape of flower presentation in Pelargonium zonale is clearly shown in this photo. An umbel is an inflorescence or flower cluster in which the flower stalks of nearly equal length spring from a common point.

When the individual flower pedicels are equal in length, the umbel is rounded as in this Pelargonium inflorescence. When the central ones are progressively shorter, the flowers may be presented in a flat-topped structure, typically seen in the Apiaceae or carrot family. The word originates from the Latin umbella that means parasol or sunshade (Wikipedia).