Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl.
Colutea spinosa Forssk., A. forsskalii Boiss.
Eng.: Spiny milkvetch. Fre.: Astragale. Ara.: Qataad.
Shrub up to 50(60) cm in height, very spiny —spines 3-6.5 cm long derived from the rachis of the leaves—, hermaphrodite, pubescent. Leaves 2-5.5 cm —but may continue to increase in size over time—, alternate, persistent, with relatively large stipules for the genus, adnate to the petiole; petiole 4-6 mm long, with 2 triangular lobules free at the end; with 3-5 pairs of leaflets, 3-8 × 1.5 mm, oblong-elliptic, obtuse or subacute, pubescent on both sides. Inflorescences in axillary racemes, peduncles 0.5-1 cm and 1-2 flowers. Calyx 1.2-1.5 × 0.3 cm, tubular, with teeth c. 2 mm, whitish due to the hairs that cover it, at fruiting inflated, globose, membranous, 1-1.5 cm wide. Corolla 1.8-2.4 cm, usually white, rarely whitish-yellowish and pinkish at the tip. Androecium diadelphous. Ovary sessile. Pod 0.6-1 cm, stipitate, oblong and hairy, included in the calyx.
Flowering:
March to June.
Fruiting:
June to September.
Habitat:
Wadis in desert areas and sandy plains.
Distribution:
Western Asia, in North Africa from Egypt to NE Libya. Closely related to A. armatus Willd., with which it has often been confused, especially in Libya, where intermediate forms seem to exist.
Conservation status:
Relatively common and widespread species, not considered threatened. Currently, it has not been assessed at a global level in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.