Triptilodiscus pygmaeus

Triptilodiscus pygmaeus, commonly called common sunray, is a small annual herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae), tribe Gnaphalieae. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus Triptilodiscus and is endemic to Australia, occurring in all six states and the Northern Territory. As its name suggests the plant is diminutive, forming low rosettes or short branched stems with narrow, often woolly leaves typical of the everlasting daisies. The capitula are small heads enclosed by papery, straw-coloured involucral bracts surrounding the inner disc florets; like many members of the Gnaphalieae, the heads lack conspicuous ray florets and rely on the persistent bracts for display. Flowering occurs in spring following autumn or winter rains, after which the achenes are dispersed by the pappus. The species is a characteristic component of seasonally wet depressions, claypans, and open grassy plains across temperate and semi-arid Australia, where populations can vary greatly in abundance from year to year depending on rainfall.