Two new species and a new record of the genus Astragalus (Fabaceae) from NE Iran

Abstract

During the study on the specimens of Astragalus sect. Ammodendron in the herbarium of Ferdowsi University<br><br>of Mashhad (FUMH), based on the last and most recent sources, two new species, i.e. A. microfoliolatus sp. nova and A.<br><br>rashed-mohasseli sp. nova were found and described. Morphological evidence confirmed that the belonging of these taxa<br><br>to Astragalus sect. Ammodendron. The most important differences between A. microfoliolatus and its closest relatives are<br><br>leaflets with very small size and glabrescent legume. Also, the main distinctive characters ofA. rashed-mohasseli are the<br><br>presence of hairs on the dorsal side of vexillum, oblong legume and short rachis. Hairy vexillum has been obseverd for<br><br>the first time in this section. In addition, A. aiwadzhi is recorded as a new species for the flora of Iran. Taxonomic<br><br>descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps are provided to expedite identification.