Pallenis hierichuntica

Synonyms: Asteriscus aquaticus var. pygmaeus DC., Asteriscus pygmaeus (DC.) Coss. & Durieu, Odontospermum pygmaeum (DC.) O.Hoffm., Asteriscus hierichunticus (Michon) Wiklund

The desert annual plant Asteriscus pygmaeus germinates during winter and dries up at the beginning of summer. Its woody stems terminate in inflorescences. The achenes which remain enclosed by the woody bracts are protected against granivors and serve as a 'seed bank'.