Distribution of Astragalus Spp. in Lorestan Province

The genus Astragalus L. has the highest number of plant species in Iran. In order to study the vegetation of Lorestan province between 2001 to 2013, a collection species of Astragalus L. in province of Lorestan was collected and identified. This study showed that there are 125 species belong to 29 Section in different habitats of Lorestan province. Forty species (32%) have not been reported from Lorestan province. from the 14 endemic and semi-endemic sections of Iran, 11 of them were identified in Lorestan. Hemicryptophytes with 59 species (47.2%) are the most abundant life form of Astragalus in Lorestan province. Topography is an important factor in the diversity of Astragalus species in Lorestan. At lowlands species such as A. brachyodontus Boiss., A. siliquosus Boiso., A. hamosus L., and in high-lands spiny bushes and cushions such as A. myriacanthus Boiss., A. gossypinus Fisch., A. floccosus Boiss., A. verus Olivier, A. effusus Bunge and A. ophiocarpus Bunge Were identified.