Family: Fabaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 759 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Astragalus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit.
Description
Purple milk-vetch, known scientifically as Astragalus sesameus, is a noteworthy member of the Fabaceae family. Described and classified in 1753 by the renowned botanist Linnaeus, this species has been recognized for its distinctive characteristics and contribution to the Mediterranean flora.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Purple milk-vetch thrives in its native habitat, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of these areas. This perennial plant exhibits a unique morphology, typically characterized by its slender, upright stature and delicate purple flowers that blossom during its flowering season.
Astragalus sesameus is not only visually striking but also plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Like many in the Fabaceae family, it has the ability to fix nitrogen through its symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria, thereby enhancing soil fertility. This attribute makes it an important species for maintaining the health of the soil and supporting surrounding plant life.
The significance of Purple milk-vetch extends beyond its ecological role. Historically, plants in the Astragalus genus have been utilized in traditional medicine and herbal remedies, although specific uses of Astragalus sesameus may vary and require further ethnobotanical research.
In summary, Purple milk-vetch (Astragalus sesameus) is a valuable and beautiful component of the Mediterranean landscape, offering benefits both aesthetically and ecologically. It stands as a testament to the intricate connections within natural habitats and the ongoing importance of plant diversity and conservation.
Common Names
Cat: astràgal sesamoide
Eng: purple milk-vetch
En: Purple milk-vetch
Ca: Astràgal sesamoide
Fr: Astragale faux sésame, Astragale faux-sésame
It: Astragalo minore
Synonyms
- Astragalus sesameus var. faurei (Maire)
- Astragalus sesameus var. brachycarpus (Moris)
- Astragalus sesameus var. anoectotrichus (Faure & Maire)
- Tragacantha sesamea ((L.) Kuntze)
- Stella sesamea ((L.) Medik.)
- Astragalus sesameus var. substellaris (Maire)
- Astragalus saguntinus (Pau)
- Astragalus mediterraneus (Bubani)
- Astragalus malacensis (Salzm. ex Bunge)
- Astragalus annuus (DC.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- South Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Anton Gjeldum (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 24, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5345545)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:479780-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus sesameus L.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]