SafePlants

Astragalus ponticus

Astragalus ponticus Pall. is the accepted scientific name for a plant species also known as Geven in Turkish and Laz geveni (a name suggested by E. Tekin). The text refers to it by its Russian name as well.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae)
• Genus: Astragalus L.

Synonyms for Astragalus ponticus include:

• Astragalus chartaceus Ledeb.
• Astragalus chlorotaenius Freyn & Bornm.
• Astragalus idae, Grossh.
• Tragacantha chartacea, (Ledeb)

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus ponticus is found in Ukraine, as indicated by a distribution map.
• It also occurs in Moldova.
• Its presence has also been noted in Macedonia and Yugoslavia.
• Specimens have been collected in Perse, Iran

Morphological Characteristics

• It is an erect, caulescent, perennial plant, ranging from 25 to 100 cm in height.
• Its stipules are linear-lanceolate, measuring 12–30 mm, and are sparsely adpressed-pilose, especially on the margins.

Traditional Uses

• The plant has been used as a dye ingredient, producing a yellow color.
• Historically the plant, from collections, has been used as a fodder plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Astragalus ponticus serves as a food plant for certain caterpillars.
• It is a host plant for certain species of insects laying eggs.

Further Information

• Information can be found at the International Plant Names Index.
• Further information can be found at the Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera.
• The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (E) has herbarium specimens (e.g., E00341138).
• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life) may contain additional information.
• B and T World Seeds database contains information on Astragalus ponticus.
• MEDUSA provides data on the utilisation, evaluation and conservation of Mediterranean plants.