Generic delimitation in Astereae has long been a source of disagreement among botanists. The ways in which they treat the large and diverse genus Aster usually reflect their philosophy on generic concepts, and although there are many variations, in general there have historically been two schools of thought. The first approach maintains a very inclusive generic concept of a large genus Aster, with subdivision of the genus into several subgenera. The second approach was to segregate many distinctive small genera from Aster, thus adopting a narrow generic concept As a result of new in-depth studies of phenotype features and, more recently, DNA sequences, combined with reasonably strict adherence to the tenets of phylogenetic systematics, the genus Aster is now much more narrowly and more naturally defined than before. Consequently many of the species, including this one, that were formerly accepted in a looser definition of that genus have now been transferred to several more narrowly defined genera.

Common Name:

General Information

Galatella hauptii is a herbaceous perennial plant with a robust, woody, rhizomatous rootstock. The plant produces one to several, erect to ascending stems 20 - 50cm tall[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central Asia, Siberia, Mongolia, western China

Habitat

Steppes, stony slopes and shrubby formations, mainly in the mid-mountain zone[]. Mountain slopes, grasslands, stony slopes; at elevations from 1,100 - 1,800 metres in western China.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most good garden soils[], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[]. Prefers a sunny position[].
Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].
There is some confusion over this name. One report says that A. hauptii. Ledeb. is a synonym for Galatella hauptii. (Ledeb.)Lindl[]. This is a name that is not at present accepted by most botanists and need not concern us[]. However, the report then goes on to say that A. hauptii. Turcz. is a synonym of Galatella dahurica. DC. (which equals A. dahuricus. (DC.)Benth.), a plant found in shrubberies, forest edges and meadows up to the mountain zone[]. We assume that our record refers to A. hauptii. Ledeb. but there must be some doubt about this[]. Just to further confuse matters, one synonym for this species is A. fastigiatus. Ledeb. and there also seems to be an A. fastigiatus. Fisch. Some further investigation is required.

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates[]. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn[].