Chinese milk-vetch

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chinese milk-vetch

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tragacantha sinica
• Astragalus lotoides
• Astragalus sinicus f. albiflorus
• Astragalus sinicus var. macrocalyx
• Astragalus sinicus f. rosaceus

Regional and Traditional Names

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. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Astragalus, specifically as the species Astragalus sinicus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across various regions of East Asia. In China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Beyond mainland China, the species can also be found throughout the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, its range extends to the islands of Japan. This broad distribution highlights the plant's adaptability across diverse East Asian landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Astragalus sinicus is characterized by its specific preference for riparian environments, where it establishes itself along the banks and margins of watercourses. By inhabiting these moist, transitional zones, the species leverages the consistent water availability and the nutrient-rich alluvial soils typically deposited by flowing water. This riparian habitat provides a unique microclimate that supports its growth patterns, often placing the plant in areas subject to periodic moisture fluctuations. Such ecological positioning allows it to thrive in the specialized niche of riverine ecosystems, where it interacts closely with the hydrological cycles and the surrounding vegetation typical of wetland boundaries.

Habitat :

riparian

Life history

The life history of Astragalus sinicus is characterized by a variable lifecycle that can manifest as an annual, biennial, or perennial plant depending on environmental conditions and localized ecological factors. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant progresses from seed germination to maturity, navigating various seasonal shifts to complete its reproductive cycle. As a species with a flexible growth strategy, it adapts its longevity to the stability of its habitat, allowing it to persist in diverse landscapes through either rapid seasonal cycles or long-term establishment.

Lifecycle :

biennial

Morphology

The morphology of Astragalus sinicus is characterized by its specific growth habits and structural composition. It is classified as a herbaceous plant, specifically functioning as a forb rather than a graminoid or woody species. In terms of its physical stature, the plant exhibits a non-woody constitution, lacking the permanent lignified tissues found in shrubs or trees. Regarding its climbing capacity, the species displays a self-supporting nature, which distinguishes it from obligatory or facultative climbers that require external structures for vertical ascent; it functions as a self-supporting liana or vine within its ecological niche.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Astragalus sinicus has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-METHYL-TRYPTOPHAN, Soyasaponin IV, trp, tryptophan.

5-METHYL-TRYPTOPHAN

1. Plant physiology

Soyasaponin IV

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

trp

1. Plant physiology

tryptophan

1. Plant physiology

Preparations

Astragalus sinicus has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract.

Ethanol extract

1. Journal of microbiology and biotechnology