Astragalus baftensis (Fabaceae), a new species of Astragalus sect. Pendulina from Iran

Astragalus baftensis Ranjbar Maassoumi (Fabaceae) is described and illustrated as a new from SE Iran. It belongs to Astragalus sect. Pendulina. The hitherto known species of this section are all confined to the Turkestanian floristic and Western Himalayan provinces of the Irano-Turanian region. Thus, A. baftensis constitutes an interesting range extension of this section into the Kerman province. The affinities and differences with the closest species are presented based on morphology, ecology and chorology. The conservation status of the new species is evaluated as vulnerable (VU) according to IUCN criteria.