Montpellier milkvetch (Astragalus monspessulanus, Sp. Pl.: 761 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 761 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astragalus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SC. & S. Europe to W. Ukraine, NW. Africa

Description

Montpellier milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus monspessulanus, is a remarkable and versatile plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Initially described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this species is an integral part of the rich flora of Southern and South-Central Europe, extending its reach to parts of Western Ukraine and Northwest Africa.

The Montpellier milkvetch thrives in diverse habitats, from rocky terrains to open fields, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. It is a perennial herb that distinguishes itself with its lush foliage and delicate flowers. The leaves are typically pinnate, contributing to its feathery appearance, while the flowers, often violet or purple, grow in clusters that are both aesthetically pleasing and vital to the local ecosystems.

This species plays a significant role in the environmental fabric, particularly in legume-dominated landscapes, due to its ability to fix nitrogen through symbiosis with root bacteria. This not only enriches the soil but also supports agricultural practices and landscape management.

In addition to its ecological contributions, Astragalus monspessulanus has garnered interest for its potential medicinal properties, consistent with several plants in the Astragalus genus known for their health benefits. Research into its traditional uses and pharmacological potential continues, promising new insights and applications.

Montpellier milkvetch’s presence across a broad geographic range underscores both its ecological importance and adaptability, making it a subject of interest for botanists and environmentalists alike. Its study not only enriches our understanding of the Fabaceae family but also highlights the intricate connections within our natural world.

Common Names

Swe: fransk vedel
En: Montpellier milkvetch, Montpellier Milk-vetch
Bg: Монпелийско сграбиче
Ca: Herba de Sant Llorenç
Nl: Montpellier Hokjespeul
Fi: Ranskankurjenherne
Fr: Astragale de Montpellier, Esparcette bâtarde
De: Französischer Tragant, Kahler Esparsettentragant, Montpellier-Tragant, Französicher Tragant
It: Astragalo rosato
Es: Astrágalo, Garbancillo de monte
Sv: Fransk vedel

Synonyms

• Podochrea monspessulana ((L.) Fourr.)
• Tragacantha monspessulana ((L.) Kuntze)
• Astragalus polygala (Pall.)
• Proselias monspessulanus ((L.) Steven)
• Astragalus monspessulanus var. polygala (DC.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Anthony Raoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by Jean Burger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2018 by Víctor Huete (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Anthony Raoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Capucine Capucine Chavagnac (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Jose Maria Treviño Ferrer (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 31, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Christine QUENAON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:478726-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5346583)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus monspessulanus L.)

Specifications

Growth