Abstract:
Astragalus qamardinianus (sect. Pendulina Gontscharov), is described as a new species from northern Balochistan, Pakistan. Astragalus qamardinianus N. Khan, A. Sultan & T. Khan sp. nov. is closely related to A. dieterlei Podlech but differs in morphological characters. Astragalus qamardinianus is a small perennial stemless glabrous herb with white membranous stipules, elliptic, acuminate leaflets, 3-5 flowered pedunculate raceme, minute white membranous linear bracts, slightly gibbous calyx, creamy white flowers with purple nerves, oblong to elliptic fruits and reniform, rugose seeds. Astragalus qamardinianus is compared with A. dieterlei and A. mirabilis Lipsky (the only other species of section Pendulina known from Pakistan). A distribution map, illustrations, ecology and ethnobotany of the new species are provided.