Seed production and germination of the endangered species Astragalus gines-lopezii

Abstract

Astragalus gines-lopeziiTalavera era/. {Fabaceae} is an endemic species from southwest Spain with a very limited area of distribution. There are only two known populations of this species, totaling less than 1000 individuals. This species was included on the Red List of Threatened Spanish Vascular Flora in 2008 in the category Endangered (EN) (Moreno 2008). The restricted area of distribution, limited number of individuals and their population structure could represent a high risk for survival of this species. Therefore, in order to detect potential threats, we have studied some key aspects of its reproductive biology. Fructification success and seed production were evaluated, and morphological and physiological seed variability were also studied