engleski

A new species of Astragalus Sect. Melanocercis Bunge from Croatia

In the frame of taxonomic investigations on thorny Astragalus belonging to Sect. Melanocercis Bunge of the Subgen. Cercidothrix Bunge occurring in the Mediterranean area, the populations growing in some mountain stands of Dalmatia (Croatia) are examined. On the basis of literature data (Lovašen-Eberhardt, 1997), the specimens coming from these sites have been referred to Astragalus angustifolius Lam. or to A. sirinicus Ten. More recently, Kušan (1956) attributed the Dalmatian populations to a new taxon named A. angustifolius subsp. biokovensis, but this name is unfortunately invalid (art. 36.1 of the ICBN) and therefore it cannot be used. The examination of many living and herbarium material coming from Mt Biokovo and Mt Mosor, localities quoted by the just mentioned author, allows to emphasize that this plant shows really close relationships with A. angustifolius and A. sirinicus. However, it is morphologically well differentiated from both species. In particular, due to the laxly pulvinate habit, the glaucous-sericeous leaves, stipules ciliate at margin, and the corolla colour (white-yellowish tinged with pink-purplish), the Dalmatian populations seems to be more closely related to A. sirinicus. As concerns A. angustifolius, it forms a compact cushion-like and is characterised by crowded green leaves, white flowers and densely hairy legumes. For this reason, it is strongly differentiated from the Dalmatian plants. On the whole, several morphological distinguishing characters regarding the leaves, stipules, bracteoles, calyx, corolla, style and especially legume shape and indumentum allow to consider the Dalmatian populations as a distinct taxon named Astragalus croaticus sp. nov. This species is linked to limestone usually growing on rocky places and screes at an altitude of 700-1700 m, where it is a member of a pioneer community characterized by numerous endemic species. Astragalus croaticus seems to be an Illyrian vicariant of A. sirinicus occuring in the Italian peninsula and allied A. tymphresteus Boiss. et Spuner widespread in the S Balkan peninsula.

Astragalus; taxonomy; Croatia

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