Aster is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Its circumscription has been narrowed, and it now encompasses around 170 species, all but one of which are restricted to Eurasia; many species formerly in Aster are now in other genera of the tribe Astereae. The Hungarian revolution of 31 October 1918 became known as the “Aster Revolution” due to protesters in Budapest wearing this flower.

Aster bakerianus, synonymously known as Afroaster hispida, is a South African indigenous perennial herb that reaches heights between 450mm to 600mm tall. It has roughly hairy herbaceous stems. The flowers carried between August and December are deep pink to white in colour. Aster bakerianus is ideal for mixed border planting or for containers and can also be used in a rockery. It attracts insects like butterflies and bees to the garden.