Milk Vetch

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Milk Vetch

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tragacantha quadrisulcata
• Tragacantha cruciata
• Ankylobus cruciatus
• Astragalus corrugatus subsp. tenuirugis
• Astragalus corrugatus var. brevipes
• Astragalus tenuirugis
• Astragalus corrugatus var. tenuirugis
• Astragalus cruciatus f. linearifolius
• Tragacantha corrugata
• Astragalus corrugatus
• Astragalus cruentus
• Tragacantha tenuirugis
• Astragalus cruciatus
• Astragalus quadrisulcatus
• Astragalus tenuirugis var. brevipedunculatus
• Astragalus quadrisulcatus var. glaber
• Astragalus corrugatus var. brevipedunculatus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Astragalus, where it is identified as Astragalus crenatus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning across both Europe and Africa. In Middle Europe, its presence is specifically documented within Germany. Its range extends significantly into Northern Africa, where it can be found in Algeria. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout the regions of Egypt and Libya. Finally, its habitat reaches as far west as Morocco.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Astragalus crenatus is characterized by its ability to thrive in diverse and challenging terrains, ranging from arid desert environments to rugged hills and mountainous regions. It is specifically adapted to colonize open landscapes such as sandy areas and stony places, where it can withstand varied soil compositions. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, establishing itself at elevations as low as 300 m AMSL and extending its range up to a maximum of 1800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

300 m AMSL

Habitat :

desert, hills, mountains, sand, stony places

Life history

The life history of Astragalus crenatus is characterized by a specific developmental strategy defined by its seasonal rhythms and growth structure. As a plant with an annual lifecycle, it completes its entire biological progression—from germination and vegetative growth to flowering and seed production—within a single growing season. This rapid turnover is complemented by its classification as a therophyte, a life form where the plant survives unfavorable environmental conditions as ephemeral seeds, allowing it to emerge and flourish quickly when optimal conditions are met.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Astragalus crenatus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. This plant is a self-supporting species that does not function as a climber and operates as an independent organism rather than a parasite. It exhibits a versatile habitat preference, ranging from aquatic and semiaquatic environments to terrestrial settings. In terms of stature, the plant maintains a diminutive profile, with a height that ranges from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.2 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.2 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Astragalus crenatus is characterized by a highly flexible flowering phenology that allows for adaptation across varying environmental conditions. The flowering period is marked by significant variability, as the timing of bloom can occur across any month of the year, ranging from January through December. While the specific onset and conclusion of the flowering cycle are subject to seasonal fluctuations and local climatic factors, the plant demonstrates a broad reproductive window that can shift depending on the year. This variable flowering start and end period ensures that the species can navigate different ecological niches, with the potential for flowering to be triggered at any point in the annual cycle.

Flowering time :

Apr

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Astragalus crenatus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Saponins.

Saponins

1. Frontiers in nutrition