About Kalimeris incisa subsp. incisa
Kalimeris incisa subsp. incisa is also known by the synonym Aster incisus, with common names including kalimeris and Japanese cutleaf aster. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows 30 to 120 cm tall, and reaches approximately 50 cm in spread. Its stems are erect, glabrous, and branched in their upper section. Its leaves are lanceolate and arranged alternately along the stem; the species' Latin name references the toothed or incised appearance of these leaves. Its flowers are stellate: ray florets range in colour from pink to bluish-purple, while disk florets are yellow. Flowering occurs from June to October. It produces a dry fruit called an achene; achenes are brownish, ovoid, and measure 3 to 3.5 mm long. Individual plants take two to five years to reach full maturity. Over time, groups of this plant spread to form colonies. This plant grows naturally in meadows and lowlands. It has been used in Korean traditional medicine. Research conducted in Korea shows that this species has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may potentially be useful for treating several types of cancer.
