Ferns are one of the first plants to establish a foothold in lava flows. These ferns are on the northeast slope of Mauna Loa with Mauna Kea in the background.
Graham's Island
Life on the Big Island of Hawaii
Ferns are one of the first plants to establish a foothold in lava flows. These ferns are on the northeast slope of Mauna Loa with Mauna Kea in the background.
Graham's Island 
The lava looks so inhospitable even for ferns!
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It’s amazing how plants get established on lava flows. The ohia tree, which is native here and another early colonizer of lava flows, puts roots down through the lava into lava tubes below. It gets much of its moisture from the cool damp air in the tubes.
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So interesting. I expect the lava is rich in a variety of minerals.
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Yes, it is.
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Love this, what a striking view, Graham!
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I like the contrast between the plants and the lava wasteland.
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