Kleinia aster is a member of the Asteraceae (Sunflower) plant family that produces lavender, paintbrush-like flowers and silvery, rounded leaves. The silver color of the leaves (created by a waxy covering), and their shape (reduced surface area), are adaptations seen in many plants native to very dry regions. Unlike most of the other plant species native to Saudi Arabia and Somalia, kleinia aster tolerates the relatively higher humidity found in the Garden's Arid Greenhouse.