A Cinder Garden
On a summer day temperatures here at ground level can
reach over 150 F (65 C). The yearly weather cycle not only
sizzles with summer heat, but also blusters with snow and
winter cold and strong winds. Only scant rain falls.
Plants that grow on black volcanic cinders triumph over
adversity. They gt their winning edge from adaptations.
The limber pine's flexible branches
move with the wind instead of fighting
it. Some old trees in exposed sites are
gnarled and twisted - but very
much alive.
The antelope bitterbrush's small
leaves lose less moisture than large
leaves would.
Dwarf buckwheat's tiny cluster
of leaves is attached to a root system
that can be over three feet in diameter.
Regularly spaced plants efficiently tap
available water. The white surface of
leaves reflects rather than absorbs most
of the sun's rays.
Monkeyflowers throw purble carpets
over cinders after the late spring rains.
They grow rapidly, flower, and wither
in a few short weeks, leaving only
seeds to await favorable conditions
next year.
