Taxonomic notes on Astragalus sect. Dissitiflori (Galegeae, Fabaceae) in Pakistan, with the description of a new subspecies A. schachdarinus subsp. chitralensis

In this study, revised distributional records of Astragalus sect. Dissitiflori in Pakistan are presented, together with correct nomenclature and taxonomic notes. Based on herbarium studies, seven species of sect. Dissitiflori are recognized in Pakistan. Among these, five species including A. alitschuri, A. anfractuosus, A. argentocalyx, A. shogotensis, and A. suffalcatus are documented here for the first time for the Flora of Pakistan. In addition, a new subspecies, Astragalus schachdarinus subsp. chitralensis subsp. nov., is described from the Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Diagnostic characters, detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an identification key are provided to facilitate identification. Furthermore, the conservation status and distribution maps of the new taxon are presented.