Pygmy pussypaws

Description

Cistanthe pygmaea, common name pygmy pussypaws, is a plant species endemic to California. It has been reported from Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Tulare and Fresno Counties, in pine and subalpine forests at elevations of 1900-3550 m.Cistanthe pygmaea is an annual herb. Stems are horizontal, spreading out in various directions from the rootstock, each up to 8 cm long. Leaves are up to 15 mm long. Flowers form dense clusters at the ends of each of the branches. Sepals are egg-shaped and fleshy. The 4 petals are white, each up to 3 mm long, remaining attached to the fruit. Capsule is egg-shaped, about 5 mm across. Seeds are black, round and shiny.