Taxonomic diversity of Astragalus L. in alpine and sub-alpine zones in talesh mountains, northwest iran

Abstract

The largest genus in Iran has investigated in Talesh Mountains. These mountains are located along the transition area between Irano-Turanian and Hyrcanian phytochoria in the northwest Iran. Astragalus with 61 species belong to 20 sections represents in Talesh Mountains alpine and subalpine zones, 21 are endemic, and 27 taxa either in the country’s or the state’s Red Lists of categories. The results provides checklist of Astragalus species, a taxonomic comments for some species, also recorded some species from NW Iran and report new localities for recently introduced Astragalus species.