The aussurea is a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants in the thistle tribe within the daisy family, native to cool temperate and arctic regions ofAsia, Europe, and North America, with the highest diversity in alpine habitats in the Himalaya and central Asia. Common names include saw-wort and snow lotus, the latter used for a number of high altitude species in central Asia. They are among the most challenging plants to grow, being adapted to harsh climates from 3500-5000 m altitude, demanding cool temperatures, a very long (up to 8-10 months) winter rest period, and very good soil drainage in humus-rich gravel soils.