You wouldn't think anything could grow on volcanic cinder, but here we are. Even with the (geologically) recent eruptions at Craters of the Moon National Monument, deep in the Arco desert in central Idaho, life finds a way. With black rock as a base surface temperatures can reach as high as 150 F, which, coupled with constant high winds, creates fairly difficult growing conditions, and the few plants that can grow here are short, gnarled, and must endure high summer heat and blistering winter chill. Plants that do grow, however, thrive; they create cinder gardens as shown in this picture, where evenly spaced plants have an extensive root system that allows for maximum stability and water absorption. Even in the most desolate of deserts, plants can persevere.
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