Yellow milk-vetch (Astragalus hamosus, Sp. Pl.: 758 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 758 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astragalus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Pakistan

Description

Yellow milk-vetch, or Astragalus hamosus, is a distinguished member of the Fabaceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this species has since intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

This plant is recognized for its geographical adaptability, flourishing in a broad range from the Macaronesia region, across the Mediterranean, and extending as far east as Pakistan. Such a wide distribution showcases its resilience and ability to thrive in varying climatic conditions, from coastal regions to arid desert landscapes.

Astragalus hamosus stands out not only for its survival prowess but also for its unique features that contribute to the ecological richness of its native habitats. As a member of the legume family, yellow milk-vetch plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, enhancing soil fertility and supporting the growth of surrounding flora. Its vibrant yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

This species, like many others within the Astragalus genus, may hold potential for medicinal and agricultural applications, a subject of ongoing research. Its traditional uses and the role it plays in ecosystems underscore the importance of conserving such versatile and widespread plants.

In summary, yellow milk-vetch, Astragalus hamosus, is a notable plant species with a rich botanical history and significant ecological contributions. Its presence from Macaronesia to Pakistan underlines its adaptability and importance within diverse environments.

Common Names

Eng: european milkvetch, hook-pod milk-vetch, yellow milk-vetch
Dan: krog-astragel
Cat: astràgal hamós
En: Yellow milk-vetch, Hook-pod milk-vetch, European milkvetch, Southern Milk-vetch
Ar: (دِقيس), دقيس (دَقيس), قرين (قُرين)
Ca: Astràgal hamós
Da: Krog-astragel
Fr: Astragale à gousses en hameçon
De: Hakenfrüchtiger Tragant
He: קדד האנקולים
It: Astragalo falciforme

Synonyms

• Astragalus hamosus f. macrocarpus ((DC.) Fiori)
• Astragalus hamosus var. multiflorus (Griseb.)
• Astragalus ancistron (Pomel)
• Astragalus oncocarpus (Pomel)
• Astragalus buceras (Willd.)
• Astragalus hamosus var. ancistron ((Pomel) Batt.)
• Astragalus hamosus subsp. brachyceras ((Ledeb.) Batt.)
• Astragalus ancocarpus (Pomel)
• Astragalus aegyptiacus (Mill.)
• Astragalus hamosus var. buceras ((Willd. ex Schltdl.) Rouy)
• Astragalus hamosus subsp. embergeri ((Jahand., Maire & Weiller) Maire)
• Astragalus embergeri (Jahand., Maire & Weiller)
• Astragalus hamosus var. volubilitanus ((Braun-Blanq. & Maire) Maire)
• Tragacantha arnoceras ((Bunge) Kuntze)
• Hamosa astragalus (Medik.)
• Tragacantha brachyceras ((Ledeb.) Kuntze)
• Astragalus stribrnyi (Velen.)
• Astragalus volubilitanus (Braun-Blanq. & Maire)
• Astragalus paui (Loscos)
• Astragalus dorcoceras (Bunge)
• Ankylobus hamosus ((L.) Steven)
• Tragacantha hamosa ((L.) Kuntze)
• Astragalus brachybius (Steven)
• Hamaria uncinata (Fourr.)
• Tragacantha dorcoceras ((Bunge) Kuntze)
• Astragalus hamosus var. microcarpus (Zohary)
• Tragacantha buceras ((Willd.) Kuntze)
• Astragalus hamosus var. macrocarpus (DC.)
• Astragalus hamosus var. subcurvatus (Pau)
• Astragalus hamosus f. falcatus (Pamp.)
• Astragalus hamosus var. pumilus (Parsa)
• Astragalus arnoceras (Bunge)
• Astragalus taeckholmianus (Oppenh.)
• Astragalus brachyceras (Ledeb.)
• Astragalus hamosus var. brevipes (Faure & Maire)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuwait (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

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

© 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 May 20, 2020 by sendero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by julia juli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by julia juli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by julia juli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2020 by sendero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by Baptiste Sanson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2020 by sendero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by julia juli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Fernández Henar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 24, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 15, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5342681)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:477735-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus hamosus L.)

Specifications

Growth