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

Kalimeris lautureana is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of erect stems 60 - 140cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - eastern and central China

Habitat

Hills and low mountains in C. Japan[]. Meadows, thickets, mountain slopes, stream banks, ditches, dry roadsides; at elevations from 100 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Kalimeris lautureana grows wild in northeastern China (hardiness zones 3 - 4) and as far south as Zhejiang (hardiness zones 8 - 9). It should, therefore, succeed outdoors in much of the temperate zone.
Prefers a moist loamy soil[] though it succeeds in most soils[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and young plants - cooked[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover. Keep the compost moist. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c[]. Grow on in cool conditions, about 10°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring. This should be done at least every 3 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant.