kids encyclopedia robot

Indian aster facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Indian aster
Kalimeris-indica-by-Taraxacumseeds-01.jpg
Inflorescence of Kalimeris indica
Scientific classification
Genus:
Kalimeris
Species:
indica
Synonyms
  • Aster cantonensis (Lour.) Courtois
  • Aster indicus L.
  • Aster javanicus Garcin ex Burm.f.
  • Aster ursinus H.Lév. nom. illeg.
  • Aster yangtzensis Migo
  • Asteromoea cantoniensis (Lour.) Matsum.
  • Asteromoea indica (L.) Blume
  • Boltonia indica (L.) Benth.
  • Callistemma indicum (L.) G.Don
  • Callistephus indicus (L.) DC.
  • Chrysanthemum cuneatum Roxb.
  • Hisutsua cantonensis (Lour.) DC.
  • Hisutua cantoniensis (Lour.) DC.
  • Hisutua serrata Hook. & Arn.
  • Martinia polymorpha Vaniot
  • Matricaria cantoniensis Lour.

Kalimeris indica, also known as Indian aster or Indian Kalimeris, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant of the family Asteraceae (Compositae). Kalimeris indica, like other species in the genus of Kalimeris, occurs mainly in eastern Asian countries of China, Korea and Japan, and has been introduced to California and Hawaii.

Description

Kalimeris-indica-by-Taraxacumseeds-03
Leaves, stems and inflorescence of Kalimeris indica

Kalimeris indica commonly occurs on abandoned farm land, slopes of hills and ridges between rice fields. It is also often found along roads and trails in hardwood forests. It can reproduce through production of seeds and through stolons. Seeds germinate in early spring. Newly emerged seedlings are small with each cotyledon being approximately 2 mm in length.

Indian aster can grow to a height of 30–70 cm. Leaves are alternate and stems are typically upright. Blooming starts in late spring and will continue into October depending on the location and growth conditions for the plant, particularly nutrient level in the soil. Disk florets are light yellow and ray florets are either light purple or white. Fruits of Indian aster are small and dark.

Uses

Kalimeris-indica-by-Taraxacumseeds-04
A patch of Kalimeris indica along a rural road
Kalimeris-indica-by-Taraxacumseeds-05
Dried Kalimeris indica inflorescence in winter time
Kalimeris indica seedlings by Taraxacumseeds
Newly emerged Kalimeris indica seedlings in early spring
Kalimeris-indica-by-Taraxacumseeds-06
Boiled Kalimeris indica leaves served with salted peanuts

Indian aster has wide culinary uses in East Asia. Young leaves and stems are collected in early spring time and cooked with other food items such as dried tofu (bean curd). It is considered a delicacy because of its special flavor. It is particularly popular south of Yangtze River in China where it is called 马兰头 malantou.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Kalimeris indica para niños

kids search engine
Indian aster Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.