Astragalus microcymbus

Astragalus microcymbus is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name skiff milkvetch. It is endemic to Colorado in the United States, where it is known from Gunnison County and the edge of Saguache County.[1]

Astragalus microcymbus

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Astragalus
Species:
A. microcymbus
Binomial name
Astragalus microcymbus
Barneby

This perennial herb grows up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in height. In May and June it produces many white flowers with purple-tinged petals.[1] The species name means "little boat", referring to the legume pods, which resemble skiffs.[2] It grows in sagebrush habitat and sagebrush-juniper mixed habitat.[1]

The total global population is estimated to be around 10,000 individuals. The species is threatened by rabbit herbivory.[1]

The species has been the subject of monitoring and research by scientists at Denver Botanic Gardens since 1995.[3]

References
  1. Astragalus microcymbus. The Nature Conservancy.
  2. Astragalus microcymbus. Archived October 26, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Center for Plant Conservation.
  3. "Biodiversity Research".


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