Page 51 - 2003 - Atlantic Islands

The euphorbia preserve was the next destination on the island. What a bleak and

barren spot it is, too. But it has great importance to the island because it is one of the

last stands of one of the indigenous plants, the Euphorbia organoids -- a little lacy

plant low to the ground sporting several different colors. It is obviously extremely

drought tolerant or it could not be making a last stand in this terrain. “Fresh” lava

flows (about 500 to 1000 years old) abound everywhere and the ground is so dry that

it is powdery and dusty. Where these brave plants get any moisture is just

inexplicable. One reason the area has been preserved is that the land belongs to the

airport and has been fenced in, thus deterring the goats, sheep, and donkeys from

munching it right out of existence. In this same area was a dry grass (probably dead

really) which grew in the lava fields providing a lovely view of silvery “feathers” hiding

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