Ontogenetic Structure of a Cenopopulation of Astragalus Cicer L. in the Northeastern Lesser Caucasus

The ontogenetic structure of Astragalus cicer L. (Fabaceae Lindl.) was studied in one natural cenopopulation in the northeastern Lesser Caucasus, near Asrik Jirdakhan village in the Tovuz district of Azerbaijan. Field observations were carried out in 2025 on a stony-gravelly slope at approximately 750–850 m above sea level. Thirty individuals were classified into six ontogenetic states on the basis of morphological characteristics and the development of vegetative and generative organs. The recorded numbers were juvenile, three (10.00%); immature, five (16.67%); virginal, six (20.00%); generative, twelve (40.00%); subsenile, three (10.00%); and senile, one (3.33%). The generative stage formed the maximum of the individual-stage ontogenetic spectrum. When grouped into broader developmental periods, pregenerative individuals accounted for 46.67%, generative individuals for 40.00%, and postgenerative individuals for 13.33%. The numerical ratio of pregenerative to generative individuals was 1.17. These findings provide a preliminary quantitative characterization of the studied cenopopulation. Because the observations concern a single site and survey year, repeated field studies are needed to assess population renewal and longer-term changes in ontogenetic composition.