A common aster with abundant tiny white flowering heads, each less than 1 cm in diameter, is known as calico aster. What's the origin of this name? Kozhikode is an old port in southwestern India. During the 16-18th centuries this was an important European trading post. During that time, its name used to be Calicut. The place was also famous for manufacturing authentic tapestry known across the world as Calico tapestry. Later on, the name 'calico' was applied to cotton fabric with printed designs. The aster in flower supposedly resembles those patterns.