Kalimeris incisa subsp. incisa

Nomenclature

Kalimeris incisa subsp. incisa is also known by the synonym Aster incisus, with common names including kalimeris and Japanese cutleaf aster.

Growth Habit

It is a herbaceous perennial that grows 30 to 120 cm tall, and reaches approximately 50 cm in spread.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems are erect, glabrous, and branched in their upper section.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are lanceolate and arranged alternately along the stem; the species' Latin name references the toothed or incised appearance of these leaves.

Flower Characteristics

Its flowers are stellate: ray florets range in colour from pink to bluish-purple, while disk florets are yellow.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs from June to October.

Fruit Characteristics

It produces a dry fruit called an achene; achenes are brownish, ovoid, and measure 3 to 3.5 mm long.

Maturation Timeline

Individual plants take two to five years to reach full maturity.

Colony Formation

Over time, groups of this plant spread to form colonies.

Natural Habitat

This plant grows naturally in meadows and lowlands.

Traditional Use

It has been used in Korean traditional medicine.

Pharmacological Properties

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.