Junak’s desertdandelion, Anacapa Island desertdandelion

Annuals, 5–30 cm. Stems 1–4, ascending to erect, ± branched proximally and distally (leafy to apices), glabrous. Cauline leaves: proximal oblanceolate, pinnately lobed (lobes 2–4 pairs, obtuse), ultimate margins entire or dentate; distal not much reduced (± linear, lobes usually 1–2 near bases, apices acute). Calyculi of 7–11, ovate to lanceolate bractlets, hyaline margins 0.05–0.2 mm. Involucres 7–8.5 × 3–6 mm. Phyllaries 9–13+ in 2–3 series, (red-tinged) oblong to lanceolate or lance-linear, hyaline margins 0.1–0.2 mm wide, faces glabrous. Receptacles not bristly. Florets 20–85: corollas medium yellow, 7–11 mm; outer ligules exserted 3.5–5.5 mm. Cypselae ± prismatic, 1.6–2 mm, ribs extending to apices, ± equal or 5 more prominent than others; persistent pappi of 11–14, irregular, ± dentate teeth plus 1–2 bristles. Pollen 70–100% 4-porate. 2n = 28.

Flowering May–Jun. Flats and adjacent coastal bluffs; of conservation concern; 0–30 m; Calif.

Malacothrix junakii is known only from middle Anacapa Island.