Astragalus altaicola

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tragacantha altaica

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Astragalus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions within the Eurasian continent. In the northern reaches of its range, it can be found growing in the Altai region of Siberia. Its presence extends southward into Central Asia, specifically within the borders of Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the species is well-established in the Xinjiang region of China. Finally, its natural habitat includes the vast territories of Mongolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Astragalus altaicola is defined by its adaptability to diverse and often challenging landscapes, allowing it to colonize a wide variety of terrain. This species is commonly found distributed across forest environments, rolling hills, and expansive meadows, demonstrating a capacity to thrive in both shaded and open ecosystems. Furthermore, its ecological niche extends to more arid and unstable substrates, as it is frequently documented growing in sandy soils and within the semi-arid conditions of the steppe. This broad range of habitats suggests a robust physiological tolerance for varying moisture levels and soil compositions, enabling the plant to integrate into both stable forest understories and more exposed, wind-swept grassland communities.

Habitat :

forest, hills, meadows, sand, steppe

Life history

The life history of Astragalus altaicola is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, meaning it lives for several years rather than completing its life cycle in a single growing season. As a perennial, the plant establishes a persistent root system that allows it to survive through unfavorable periods and regrow during favorable seasonal shifts. This long-lived life strategy enables the species to invest significant energy into robust structural development and repeated reproductive efforts over multiple years, contributing to its stability within its specific ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Astragalus altaicola is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form that functions as an independent organism, meaning it is not a parasite. The plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.37 m.

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.37 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Astragalus altaicola is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process begins in June and concludes within the same month, marking a concentrated period of floral activity. This narrow timeframe indicates a highly synchronized blooming period, which is essential for the plant's pollination and subsequent seed development within its natural habitat.

Flowering time :

Jun

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Astragalus altaicola has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isorhamnetin 3-gentiobioside, Narcissin, RUTIN.

Isorhamnetin 3-gentiobioside

1. Journal of separation science

Narcissin

1. Journal of separation science

RUTIN

1. Journal of separation science