Astragalus microcymbus

Astragalus microcymbus

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Astragalus
Species: A. microcymbus
Binomial name
Astragalus microcymbus
Barneby

Astragalus microcymbus is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name skiff milkvetch. It is endemic to Colorado in the United States, where it is known from Gunnison County and the edge of Saguache County.[1]

This perennial herb grows up to 30 centimeters in height. In May and June it produces many white flowers with purple-tinged petals.[1] The species name means "little boat", referring to the legume pods, which resemble skiffs.[2] It grows in sagebrush habitat and sagebrush-juniper mixed habitat.[1]

The total global population is estimated to be around 10,000 individuals. The species is threatened by rabbit herbivory.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Astragalus microcymbus. The Nature Conservancy.
  2. Astragalus microcymbus. Center for Plant Conservation.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, August 17, 2014. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.