Altai Heteropappus

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Altai Heteropappus
• Danyang aster

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Heteropappus altaicus
• Kalimeris altaica

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is specifically positioned in the family Asteraceae. It is further identified by the genus Aster, with the specific species name being altaicus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions within the vast territory of Siberia. Its presence is notably documented in the Altai region, where specific environmental conditions support its growth. Additionally, it can be found throughout the Republic of Buryatia and the area surrounding Chita. The species also extends its range into the Irkutsk region, highlighting its adaptability to various Siberian landscapes. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the Krasnoyarsk region, completing its broad distribution across central and eastern Siberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aster altaicus is defined by its adaptation to high-altitude environments and specific terrestrial landscapes. This species primarily inhabits dry steppes, where it thrives in open, arid conditions. It exhibits a broad vertical distribution across various mountain terrains, with an elevational range that begins at 500 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 4000 m AMSL. On average, the plant is found at an elevation of approximately 3216.67 m AMSL, reflecting its ability to endure the climatic rigors of high-mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

4000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

3216.66666666667 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Habitat :

Dry steppes.

Life history

The life history of Aster altaicus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Its structural development and survival strategy are defined by its life form, specifically classified as a hemicryptophyte. This indicates that its perennating buds are located at the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or other organic debris during unfavorable conditions, which facilitates its long-term establishment in its natural habitat.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Aster altaicus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, functioning as a self-supporting organism that does not exhibit climbing or liana-like behaviors. As an independent species, it does not rely on parasitic or epiphytic lifestyles, maintaining a terrestrial habit. The plant maintains a relatively modest stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.04 m to a maximum of 0.6 m. Its structural composition is defined by its herbaceous nature, lacking woody tissues, which allows it to thrive in its specific ecological niche.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.04 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Aster altaicus is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency in its native environment. The vegetative structure is defined by its foliar dimensions, where the leaves exhibit a morphological range in length from a minimum of 2.5 cm to a maximum of 6 cm, resulting in a calculated mean leaf length of approximately 4.17 cm. In terms of lateral expansion, the leaf width varies from a narrow minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 1.5 cm, reflecting a structural adaptation that supports its overall physiological functions and gas exchange requirements.

Leaf length max:

6 cm

Leaf length mean:

4.16666666666667 cm

Leaf length min:

2.5 cm

Leaf width max:

1.5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Aster altaicus is characterized by a sexual process involving bisexual flowers. The flowering period is concentrated in the month of August, though the timing may vary. Following pollination, the plant produces small fruits with an average length of 0.24 cm (ranging from a minimum of 0.2 cm to a maximum of 0.28 cm) and an average width of 0.105 cm (ranging from 0.07 cm to a maximum of 0.14 cm). The seeds produced are quite lightweight, featuring a mean seed mass of approximately 0.01708 g, with individual seed weights ranging from a minimum of 0.00036 g to a maximum of 0.00089 g. Dispersal of these reproductive units is achieved through an anemochorous syndrome, meaning the seeds are primarily dispersed by the wind.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length max:

0.28 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.24 cm

Fruit length min:

0.2 cm

Fruit width max:

0.14 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.105 cm

Fruit width min:

0.07 cm

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed mass max:

0.00089 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0170833333333333 g

Seed mass min:

0.00036 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Aster altaicus has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATALASE, Echinocystic acid, Flavonoids, Peroxidase, Saponins.

CATALASE

1. Scientific reports

Echinocystic acid

1. Die Pharmazie

Flavonoids

1. Scientific reports

Peroxidase

1. Scientific reports

Saponins

1. Die Pharmazie

Superoxide dismutase

1. Scientific reports

Tannins

1. Scientific reports

Trypsin inhibitor

1. Scientific reports