Autecology of Astragalus fasciculifolius Bioss. in some natural habitats of south Sistan and Baluchestan province

Development and implementation of effective and useful programs for the rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal species is possible only by identifying plant and ecological characteristics. Astragalus fasciculifolius Bioss. belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a valuable medicinal species. This species plays an effective role in treatment of heart disease, inhibition of cancer cell growth, and eliminating the chemotherapy effects due to the presence of compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. In this study, the distribution map of this species was prepared using available resources, and then climatic characteristics, physical and chemical analysis of soil, different phenological stages, and associated plants in the region were recorded. The results of this study showed that this plant is distributed in the cities of Khash, Saravan, Soran and Mehrestan. According to the Demartonne method, the climate of this region is arid. The average annual precipitation, relative humidity, and an average temperature of these habitats are 52 mm, 20%, and 25°C, respectively. This species is distributed between approximately 1300 and 1500 m above sea level, on the slopes and mainly in the waterways, in the bed of seasonal rivers, and in all directions, especially the northern direction and the slope between 0 to 75%. The soil texture of habits is mainly sandy loam with the pH range of 6.73 to 8.28, EC range of 0.56 to 1.06 ds/m, and 30.64-50.62% lime. A. fasciculifolius is a drought tolerant species which is capable of growing under dry climatic conditions with an average annual rainfall of less than 30mm.