Taxonomy of the Genus Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) in Isfahan Province

Abstract The genus Astragalus L. has been revised in Isfahan province. In total, 202 taxa including 194 species and 8 subspecies of the genus were recognized in the province, of which 15 taxa were reported for the first time in this study for this province. These taxa were placed in 42 sections. Malacothrix with 30 species was the largest section in the province followed by Caprini with 21 species, Rhacophorus, Incani, and Microphysa with 10 species. Of the various taxa in the Isfahan province, 131 taxa were endemic for the Flora of Iran and 20 taxa were endemic for the province. In terms of life form, perennial species with simple basifixed hairs were in 25 sections and 142 taxa, perennial species with bifurcate hairs were in 9 sections and 40 taxa, and annual species were in 8 sections and 20 taxa. The genus Astragalus squarrosus from the sect. Ammodendron was officially reported for the Iranian flora as a forgotten species in related sources. Additionally, some taxonomic notes regarding some species were presented.