edible aster

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Edible aster
• Doellingeria scabra

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Biotia corymbosa var. discolor
• Cardiagyris scabra
• Doellingeria scabra
• Aster scaber var. minor
• Biotia discolor
• Aster scaber var. litoralis
• Aster scaber f. apetalus
• Aster scaber f. minor
• Aster komarovii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Aster scaber, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and the genus Aster.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across East Asia, spanning several key territories. In the Russian Far East, its presence is recorded within the Amur, Khabarovsk, and Primorye regions. Moving into China, the species can be found throughout the South-Central provinces. Additionally, its distribution extends northward into the Inner Mongolia region of China. Together, these areas define the primary geographical footprint of Aster scaber.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aster scaber is closely tied to transitional environments, where it primarily thrives within forest ecosystems, forest edges, and shrubberies. It favors these ecotones because they provide a balanced microclimate, offering a mix of filtered sunlight and the structural protection provided by dense woody vegetation. By inhabiting the margins between closed canopies and open clearings, the plant benefits from the increased light availability found at the periphery of woodland habitats while remaining sheltered from extreme exposure. This preference for shrubby and edge-dwelling habitats suggests an ecological niche optimized for moderate moisture retention and the varied light intensities characteristic of forest boundaries.

Habitat :

forest, forest edges, shrubberies

Life history

The life history of Aster scaber is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural strategy and survival mechanism, it is classified as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte. This life form indicates that the plant protects its perennable organs underground, enabling it to endure unfavorable environmental conditions and re-emerge during more hospitable periods.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Aster scaber is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically functioning as a forb. As a terrestrial plant, it grows directly in the soil rather than as an epiphyte. The plant exhibits a non-woody structure, lacking significant lignification in its stems, which is typical for its classification as a herbaceous perennial.

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Aster scaber is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and carbon fixation strategies. Morphologically, the plant exhibits specific leaf characteristics, featuring a spatulate leaf form that defines its structural development. The leaf margins are distinctively toothed, providing a serrated edge to the foliage, though the plant lacks any defensive structural modifications such as leaf thorns or leaf spines.

Leaf form :

spatulate

Leaf margin :

toothed

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Aster scaber is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that facilitates its pollination and subsequent seed production. The flowering period typically commences in July and continues through to September, though the precise timing can be subject to environmental variations. During this window, the plant produces its inflorescences, which are critical for the reproductive success of the species.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Sep

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Aster scaber has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Acta biologica Hungarica

Chemicals

Aster scaber has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-3,5-Dicaffeoyl-muco-quinic acid, (-)-3,5-Dicaffeoyl quinic acid, (-)-4,5-Dicaffeoyl quinic acid, (-)-5-Caffeoyl quinic acid, Galacturonic acid.

(-)-3,5-Dicaffeoyl-muco-quinic acid

1. Biochemical and biophysical research communications
2. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

(-)-3,5-Dicaffeoyl quinic acid

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

(-)-4,5-Dicaffeoyl quinic acid

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

(-)-5-Caffeoyl quinic acid

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Galacturonic acid

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Gallic acid

1. Acta biologica Hungarica

Homogentisic acid

1. Acta biologica Hungarica

Hydroxycinnamic Acids

1. Acta biologica Hungarica

Saponins

1. Journal of chromatography. A

arabinose

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Activities

Aster scaber has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant.

Anticancer

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antioxidant

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Medicinal Uses

Aster scaber has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, bruises, dizziness, headaches, snakebites.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations