Mariposa Pussypaws

Mariposa pussypaws is an annual flower in the purslane family that grows in sparsely-vegetated areas such as rocky openings within foothill woodland communities in central California. The plants have fleshy, hairless stems that are spreading rather than upright and can be as small as a penny in total diameter. Even the largest individuals reach only 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) in diameter. The plants bloom in April and May, and each plant has two or more dense flower clusters. 

At the time of listing, the species was only known from seven locations in Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno Counties. Although there are now a total of 12 occurrences, when the extirpation at three occurrences is considered, the overall known occurrences have not substantially increased since the time of listing, nor has the species range. The occurrences are spread over a range of approximately 40 miles. Plants are found at elevations of 1,450 to 3,600 feet, but most occurrences are between 2,000 and 2,500 feet.

Threats include urbanization, small population size, competition and encroachment from nonnative and native plants and drought.