Derives from the Greek name “aster  (αστηρ)” which means “a star” an aster type plant* and the Greek suffix “oides ”meaning “like, resemble”  ( The specific name implies: "star like (like an aster)").

(For example Frailea asteroides).


* Referring to the Aster  (Aster amellus)   (Asterias is also the name of a genus of starfish)