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Dinosaur milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus saurinus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus saurinus - Dinosaur Milkvetch
Astragalus saurinus, commonly known as Dinosaur Milkvetch, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Astragalus. It's a non-woody plant, meaning it's not a grass or tree.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus saurinus Barneby
- Common Name: Dinosaur Milkvetch
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Family: Fabaceae (Based on related species ASPA14 and ASPA15)
- Synonyms: dinosaur milk-vetch
- ITIS TSN: 25666
Distribution and Habitat
- The Dinosaur Milkvetch is found in Utah and Colorado, specifically in Dinosaur National Monument and Moffat County.
- It grows in the salt desert shrub and pinyon-juniper zone.
Ecological Role
- Some Astragalus species, including Dinosaur Milkvetch, are primary selenium accumulators.
Morphological Characteristics
- It is described as a forb/herb, indicating a non-woody growth habit.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Observed pollinators include honey bees (based on the mention of Chinese milk vetch alongside honey bees in a stock photo description).
- Mentioned alongside dinosaurs in exhibits and parks, highlighting its presence in paleontologically significant areas and riparian woodlands.
Further Information
- BISON: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Astragalus%20saurinus
- ITIS: Integrated Taxonomic Information System
- The Plant List
- ToL: Tree of Life Web Project
- BHL: Biodiversity Heritage Library
- WikiSpecies
- Discover Life: Discover Life's page on Astragalus saurinus
- USDA Plant Database: Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Dinosaur Milkvetch