 A plant commonly seen on the lava field is the dwarf buckwheat ( Eriogonum <unk> var. <unk> ) ( photo ) , a flowering plant 4 inches ( 100 mm ) tall with a root system 3 feet ( 0 @.@ 91 m ) wide . The root system monopolizes soil moisture in its immediate area , resulting in individual plants that are evenly spaced . Consequently , many visitors have asked park rangers if the buckwheat were systematically planted . 
