Family: Fabaceae
Author: M.Bieb.
Bibliography: Fl. Taur.-Caucas. 3: 495 (1819)
Year: 1819
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Astragalus
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Türkiye to Transcaucasus
Description
Purple locoweed, known scientifically as Astragalus mollis, is a notable plant within the Fabaceae family. Initially described in 1819 by the notable botanist M.Bieb., the species holds a respected position in the botanical literature, specifically documented in “Flora Taurico-Caucasica” on page 495, volume 3.
This species is indigenous to the expansive regions stretching from Eastern Turkey through to the Transcaucasus. Purple locoweed thrives in these geographical areas, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity. The unique adaptation mechanisms of Astragalus mollis enable it to flourish in a variety of terrains within its native range.
As a member of the Fabaceae family, Purple locoweed is related to other legumes, known for their role in nitrogen fixation, which improves soil fertility. This aspect makes plants in this family ecologically significant. The growth habits, flowering patterns, and overall morphology of Astragalus mollis reflect the typical characteristics of its family, though with distinct attributes that make it recognizable to botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
The purple locoweed adds vibrant hues to the landscapes it inhabits, bearing distinctive purple blossoms that catch the eye. While appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and ecological contributions, it is also essential to understand its interactions within its ecosystem, including any symbiotic relationships and impacts on local fauna.
Research into Astragalus mollis continues to shed light on its properties and potential applications, emphasizing its place within the scientific and agricultural communities. Such studies are fundamental not just for academic purposes but also for practical considerations in conservation and land management.
Common Names
En: Purple locoweed, Crazyweed, Woolly locoweed, Woolly loco, Woolly milkvetch, Wooly loco, Wooly locoweed
Zh: 软毛黄芪
Nv: Taʼagháliitsʼóóz
Zh-tw: 軟毛黃芪
Synonyms
- Myobroma mollis ((M.Bieb.) Steven)
- Astragalus vesiculosus (Jacq. ex Baker)
- Astragalus eriocarpus (M.Bieb.)
Distribution
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 10, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 18, 2013 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 15, 2013 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 17, 2008 by EOL − Robert Sivinski (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by S Istvan (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by christine Lesca Maillard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Yang Chen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Carolyn Work (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 10, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 14, 2014 by EOL − Richard Reynolds (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 17, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 15, 2013 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2013 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:478711-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5343352)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus mollissimus Torr.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5342761)