Asteriscus is a small genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae (order Asterales). Plants in this genus are herbaceous or subshrubby annuals and perennials that produce typical composite (capitulum) flower heads characteristic of the Asteraceae, with yellow ray and disc florets. The genus is native to the Mediterranean Basin, including southern Europe, North Africa, Macaronesia (the Canary Islands and Madeira), and the Middle East.
The circumscription of Asteriscus has narrowed considerably as molecular and morphological revisions have reallocated several former members to related genera. Most notably, Asteriscus maritimus (L.) Less. — the sea aster or coastal asteriscus — has been transferred to Pallenis as Pallenis maritima (L.) Greuter, and other species have been moved to Rhanterium. The genus name Asteriscus derives from the Greek ἀστερίσκος (asteriskos), meaning "little star," a reference to the star-like arrangement of the ray florets in the flower head.
Etymology
The name Asteriscus comes from the Greek ἀστερίσκος (asteriskos), meaning "little star," alluding to the star-shaped arrangement of ray florets radiating from the central disc of each flower head.
Distribution
Asteriscus is native to Europe (primarily the Mediterranean region), North Africa, Macaronesia (including the Canary Islands and Madeira), and the Middle East.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus has undergone significant revision, with several species transferred to allied genera. Asteriscus maritimus is now treated as Pallenis maritima (L.) Greuter, and other former members have been placed in Rhanterium. GBIF currently recognises 2 accepted species within Asteriscus.
