Here on the Eastern side of the Big Island we live in one of the most active lava zones in the Islands. All of the land in this part of the Hawai'i is quite new indeed. The land on which I live is only 300-500 years old.
During the last eruption (2018) the lava covered a portion of the property on the Southern side. I moved onto this property, which is part of an intentional community, just after the flow of 2018 subsided (I was in Lower Puna through the whole eruption, however, just not here).
In my time here I've been closely observing how various organisms (mostly plants) have been colonizing the new lava flow. Ferns, mosses, lichens, and plants with wind-dispersed seeds, are the first to appear. As they grow, they begin to create microclimates with more moisture, organic matter, and nutrients. As these microclimates develop, the conditions appear that allow other species to get a foot hold and grow.
These photos were taken this morning. The most notable colonizing species in the photos have been noted. To help you better identify what you're seeing in these photos, let me point out a few things to bring clarity.
The fern that resembles a Boston fern, is Nephrolepis brownii (Asian Swordfern), the fern with the broader, lobed leaves is Microsorum scolopendria (Monarch/Musk/Maile-Scented/Breadfruit/Wart Fern), the broadleaf herb with the puffs of wind-dispersed seeds is Erechtites valerianifolius (Brazilian Fireweed), and the small woody seedling with the red-tinged new growth is Metrosideros polymorpha (Ōhi'a Lehua).
This will be jungle and a garden food forest within few decades.
Thank you for viewing this little Snippet from my world. 🙏💚
Nature is truly marvelous! Over time, life reappears as a result of the interaction of all the elements. Let's hope that many more species will soon be present. Greetings!
Yes, indeed! Life rebounds very quickly here. You'd be astounded how quickly plants grow in this location. I collect and propagate an ever-expanding kaleidoscope of species and varieties of plants, with the specific purpose of increasing biodiversity and ecological complexity, and to help make useful, edible, and medicinal plants more present and utilized. Thank you for your comment and your upvote!