A master's thesis in the College of Science, Department of Ecology at the University of Basra discussed the ecology and geographical distribution of the Astragalus spinosus In the southwestern desert of Basra Governorate.

The researcher Sarah Samir Yaqoub’s thesis included the environmental factors of the study stations and monitoring the growth of the Astragalus spinosus plant to find out the reasons affecting the germination of its seeds and the extent of its distribution and spread.

The thesis aims to identify the environmental factors affecting its germination and growth, study the quantitative characteristics and associated species, study the effect of various treatments on the germination of its seeds, and determine the geographical distribution of the plant.