Family: Asteraceae
Author: (L.) Less.
Bibliography: Syn. Gen. Compos.: 210 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Asteriscus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, Medit.
Description
Golden starwort, scientifically known as Asteriscus aquaticus, is an alluring plant within the Asteraceae family. This botanical gem is noted for its striking appearance and distinctive characteristics, making it a subject of interest among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
The historical backdrop of Asteriscus aquaticus is rich, with its first detailed classification appearing in the work “Synopsis Generum Compositarum” in 1832. The noted author, Lessing, meticulously catalogued it in scientific literature, underscoring its importance in botanical studies.
Regionally, the golden starwort finds its home in Macaronesia and the Mediterranean. The unique climates of these areas, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, are ideal for the growth and flourishing of this species. The plant’s adaptability to various conditions within these regions highlights its resilience and ecological versatility.
Golden starwort is admired for its vivid, star-shaped yellow flowers which typically bloom in abundance. These blossoms not only bring a splash of color to their native landscapes but also attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the ecological balance of their habitats.
The plant’s structure and growth patterns are also notable. It tends to favor aquatic environments, which is reflected in its epithet “aquaticus.” This affinity for water sources further distinguishes it from many other members of the Asteraceae family, showcasing its unique evolutionary path.
In summary, Asteriscus aquaticus or golden starwort, is a testament to the diversity and beauty of the botanical world. Its presence in Macaronesia and the Mediterranean, coupled with its historical significance and ecological role, makes it a captivating subject for study and admiration.
Common Names
Deu: einjähriger strandstern
Eng: golden starwort
Spa: joriada menuda
Swe: liten strandstjärna
En: Golden Starwort
Bg: Воден астерискус
Fi: Lehtoasterikki
Fr: Astérolide aquatique
De: Einjähriger Strandstern
He: כוכב מצוי
It: Asterisco acquatico
Es: Joriada menuda, Bubas, Ojo de buey
Sv: Liten strandstjärna
: Golden starwort
Synonyms
- Asteriscus nanus (Nyman)
- Inula aquatica ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
- Asteriscus citriodorus (Heldr. & Halácsy)
- Asteriscus confusus (Sennen)
- Asteriscus morrisonii (Bubani)
- Asteriscus sessilis (Moench)
- Bubonium aquaticum ((L.) Hill)
- Dontospermum aquaticum ((L.) Sch.Bip.)
- Bubonium aquaticum subsp. nanus ((Boiss.) Malag.)
- Nauplius aquaticus ((L.) Cass.)
- Buphthalmum aquaticum (L.)
- Asteriscus aquaticus var. nanus (Boiss.)
- Asteriscus aquaticus subsp. nanus ((Boiss.) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2020 by Pedro Escudero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2018 by Javier Hormigos (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Ana Durán (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 3, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Ana Durán (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2021 by S100 (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 18, 2021 by erneszar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2021 by erneszar (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2022 by m.requena (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Mar Ocêana do (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5393689)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:182635-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asteriscus aquaticus (L.) Less.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]