Astragalus amatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tragacantha ferruginea
• Astragalus subandinus
• Phaca tricolor
• Phaca brachyptera
• Barba-jovis tragacanthoides
• Astragalus chilensis
• Tragacantha amata
• Astragalus ferrugineus
• Tragacantha brevialata
• Astragalus leucomallus
• Astragalus litoreus
• Tragacantha leucomalla
• Tragacantha procumbens
• Tragacantha litorea

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified in the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Astragalus and the specific species amatus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is geographically restricted to a very specific region within the Southern Hemisphere. Its natural habitat is found exclusively in the southern portion of South America. Within this continent, the species is located specifically in the central part of Chile. This limited range suggests that the plant thrives under unique environmental conditions unique to this area. Consequently, its distribution is characterized by a highly localized presence in the Chilean landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Astragalus amatus is characterized by its adaptability across a broad altitudinal gradient, allowing it to inhabit diverse topographical landscapes. This species thrives within an elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1500 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests a capacity to endure varying thermal regimes and atmospheric pressures, ranging from warmer, lowland environments to the more temperate and potentially harsher conditions found in mid-elevation montane zones. Such a wide ecological niche indicates that the plant can successfully compete and persist across a spectrum of microclimates and soil compositions found within these specific elevation limits.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Astragalus amatus is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial, it establishes a durable root system that facilitates long-term survival and the ability to regrow after periods of dormancy. This lifecycle enables the plant to accumulate sufficient energy reserves to support reproductive efforts over several years, contributing to its stability within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Astragalus amatus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. The plant exhibits a terrestrial lifestyle, existing as a non-aquatic and non-epiphytic species that grows directly in soil environments. In terms of structural habit, it is a self-supporting organism rather than a climber, maintaining its posture without the need for external support. Furthermore, it functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Astragalus amatus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Astragalus amatus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Astragaloside I, Astragaloside II, Astragaloside IV, Cycloastragenol, Cyclocanthoside E.

Astragaloside I

1. Journal of natural products

Astragaloside II

1. Journal of natural products

Astragaloside IV

1. Journal of natural products

Cycloastragenol

1. Journal of natural products

Cyclocanthoside E

1. Journal of natural products