Astragalus argaeus Boiss. & Balansa

Vural, C. & Şapçı, H. 2012. Kew Bulletin 67: 89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12225-012-9335-y

Type

Type: Turkey, Kayseri Province, in regionealpinasuperiore du Mount ArgaeiCappadociae (Mt Erciyes), 3200 m, 20 July 1856, Balansa 203 (isotype K!).

Morphology General Habit

Dwarf cushion-forming scapose perennial, 2 – 10 cm, with a much-branched woody caudex

Morphology Leaves

Leaves 0.5 – 1.5 cm; leaflets 2 – 6 mm, elliptic, white simple-pilose, 3 – 5-paired; stipules 2 – 6 mm, lanceolate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Bracts 5 – 6 mm, lanceolate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Calyx 7 – 10 mm, tubular, white-pilose; teeth 2 – 4 mm, setaceous

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flower colour white to white-cream with red striations; standard 11 – 14 mm, broadly oblong Flowers 1 – 3, sessile in the axils of the upper leaves

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Legume ovoid, white simple pilose, unilocular 3 – 4 mm; usually two seeded

Distribution

Turkey, Kayseri: Mt Erciyes. Endemic; only known from the type locality.

Ecology

The study area has a Mediterranean climate that is characterised by dry summers, warm temperatures and rainfall throughout the winter. This is a typical second variant of the Eastern Mediterranean climate (Akman1990). The natural integrity of the vegetation of Mt Erciyes has been almost completely destroyed by anthropogenic factors. The main vegetation types in the area are alpine steppe. Populations of Astragalus argaeus are located between 2840 and 3200 m, growing on limestone hills and alpine steppes exposed to sun and drought.

Conservation

In the Red Data Book of Turkish Plants, this species is categorised as endangered (EN) (Ekim et al. 2000). However, our field observations have since provided a more accurate assessment since previous evaluations of the species were lacking in field studies and data. Astragalus argaeus is endemic to Mt Erciyes, located in Central Anatolia (Kayseri province) and is known from only a single locality. The population is decreasing due to recreational activities and the construction of stabilised roads. Its area of occupancy is less than 10 km2. The data gained from field studies were evaluated according to the IUCN categories (IUCN 2001) and scored as ‘Critically Endangered’ [CR A1a; B2ab (iii)] i.e. estimated population size reduction of 90% over the last 10 years, area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 km2, known to exist at only a single location and a continuing decline in habitat quality.

Phenology

The species is in flower between July and August and its fruiting season is between August and September.