About Hesperevax caulescens (Benth.) A.Gray
Hesperevax caulescens is a small flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly called hogwallow starfish, because it grows in mud and has a somewhat flat, star-shaped form. It is also known as dwarf dwarf-cudweed; all three species in the genus Hesperevax are called dwarf-cudweeds, and this species is smaller than the other two. It may also be referred to as involucrate evax, since its former scientific Latin name was Evax involucrata. This annual plant is part of the vernal pool plant community in California. It is possibly endemic to California, though its range may extend into Baja California. Hogwallow starfish forms a basal rosette of radiating pale green, spoon-shaped leaves, and grows a short erect stem. Its flowers are less than two millimeters wide. This species grows on the outskirts of vernal pools, in areas that have dried out.
