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| Astragalus qamardinianus |
The newly discovered species, Astragalus qamardinianus, is primarily found in the northern region of Balochistan, Pakistan. It falls under the Pendulina section, which is a subdivision of the larger Astragalus genus.
Astragalus qamardinianus closely resembles Astragalus dieterlei, but there are discernible differences in their morphological characteristics. Astragalus qamardinianus is a small, perennial herb that doesn't have stems. Its surface is glabrous, meaning it lacks hairs. The plant exhibits elliptic, acuminate leaflets and possesses white membranous stipules.
The species produces pedunculate racemes, which bear 3-5 flowers. These racemes are accompanied by minute white membranous linear bracts. The calyx of Astragalus qamardinianus is slightly gibbous, and its flowers display a creamy white color with purple nerves. The fruits of the plant are oblong to elliptic in shape, while the seeds are reniform and have a rugose texture.
The study also includes a comparison of Astragalus qamardinianus with two other species from the Pendulina section found in Pakistan: Astragalus dieterlei and Astragalus mirabilis Lipsky. Additionally, the research provides a distribution map, illustrations of the species, as well as information on its ecological characteristics and ethnobotanical significance.
Reference;
Research by: Nazar Khan, Amir Sultan, Tahir Khan, Shazia Kousar and Amjad Khan
DOI:10.30848/PJB2023-6(16)
1. https://www.pakbs.org/pjbot/papers/1684867215.pdf
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370984504_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_ASTRAGALUS_FABACEAE_FROM_ZHOB_DISTRICT_OF_NORTHERN_BALOCHISTAN_PAKISTAN
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