Astragalus bethlehemiticus is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae.
Similar species: Fabales
By Ori Fragman Sapir
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Uploaded Jun 6, 2020. Captured Jun 4, 2020 08:59 in Unnamed Road, Ma'ale Amos.
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Astragalus bethlehemiticus is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae.
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Bethlehem milk-vetch (Astragalus bethlehemiticus) is a flowering plant in the legume family (Fabaceae). It is native to arid and semi-desert regions of Turkey and Jordan.
One particularly cool feature of legumes, such as Bethlehem milk-vetch, is that they contribute to nitrogen fixation. Plants need nitrogen in order to make amino acids and proteins, but they can’t fix it on their own. Their roots have nodules that are colonized by symbiotic bacteria. The bacteria extract nitrogen from the air and convert or “fix” it into a form that is usable to the plant host. In return, the bacteria are provided shelter inside the plant’s nodules, in addition to receiving some nutrients. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship! It also benefits surrounding plants because once the legume dies, the bacteria are released into the soil where they can seek out a new legume host. Either way, the soil is enriched! {Spotted in Israel by JungleDragon moderator, Ori Fragman-Sapir} #JungleDragon #Astragalusbethlehemiticus
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