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Issue: Vol. 740 No. 1: 3 Feb. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-02-03
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.740.1.8
Page range: 97-106
Abstract views: 22
PDF downloaded: 4

Astragalus montis-hashtadi (Fabaceae), a new species of A. sect. Microphysa from the Central Zagros, Iran, based on morphological and molecular evidence

Natural Resources Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Isfahan, Iran
Botany Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
Botany Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
Astragalus endemism legumes phylogeny sect. Microphysa taxonomy Zagros Eudicots

Abstract

A new species of Astragalus sect. Microphysa, A. montis-hashtadi Akhavan & Maassoumi, is described and illustrated from Hashtad Mountain in the Central Zagros range, western Isfahan Province, Iran. The species is characterized by its compact cushion habit, densely silvery tomentose indumentum completely covering the leaf surface, very short peduncles, and small, globose racemes. Morphological comparisons with closely related taxa (A. microphysa, A. microphysopsis, and A. reuterianus) confirm its distinctness, supported by consistent diagnostic differences in indumentum texture and calyx morphology. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined nuclear ITS and plastid rpl32-trnL sequences places A. montis-hashtadi within A. sect. Microphysa, forming a subclade close to A. microphysa. The species is narrowly endemic to calcareous rocky slopes at elevations around 3000 m a.s.l., where it occurs in alpine habitats. Because of its extremely limited range, small population size, and habitat disturbance from grazing and mining, it is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN criteria. This discovery highlights the Central Zagros as an important center of micro-endemism and diversification within the spiny taxa of Astragalus.

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How to Cite

Roofigar, A.A., Maassoumi, A.A. & Rad, M.A. (2026) Astragalus montis-hashtadi (Fabaceae), a new species of A. sect. Microphysa from the Central Zagros, Iran, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Phytotaxa 740 (1): 97–106. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.1.8