Astragalus nitidiflorus

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Astragalus nitidiflorus is a small legume in the bean family that grows only in the Murcia region of southeastern Spain, near Cartagena. It was thought to be extinct for about a century, but in 2004 a population of around 46 plants was found in a protected area between Cartagena and Mazarrón, sparking conservation efforts. By 2005, scientists counted about 69 adult plants, and the species is now known from five separate populations totaling around 2,000 plants.

This plant lives in Mediterranean scrub on shallow soils over metamorphic and volcanic rocks, in habitats between mountains and farmland. Most of the remaining plants are in protected areas such as Cabezos del Pericón and the Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso, and Roldán. A part of its range has been proposed as a botanical micro-reserve.

A. nitidiflorus is short-lived and has a weak life cycle. Seeds and fruits tend to stay near the mother plant because the fruit is hard and indehiscent (does not split open) and relatively large (about 1.9 cm by 0.8 cm), so most seeds remain close to the surface and the soil seed bank is poor. Germination is low, and natural regeneration is not reliable, especially after extreme climate conditions. Seed dispersed from the plant remains on or near the soil surface rather than being buried.

Genetic diversity in the species is low, which adds to its vulnerability. In an effort to boost growth, researchers have used a plant growth regulator called Thidiazuron to improve regeneration, though it can have side effects such as abnormal shoots or other problems.

Taxonomically, A. nitidiflorus has been linked to a close relative, A. gines-lopezii; some studies have treated them as the same species. However, A. nitidiflorus generally produces more flowers and seeds, while A. gines-lopezii may have a higher rate of fruits that reach ripeness.

The name nitidiflorus means “bright with flowers.”