Lava molds of the tree trunks that were formed when a lava flow swept through a forested area in Lava Tree State Monument on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA
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Lava Tree State Monument


An easy 0.6-mile paved loop takes you past ancient ‘lava trees,’ created in 1790 when pahoehoe (smooth-flowing lava) from Kilauea’s East Rift Zone enveloped moisture-laden ohia before receding, leaving towering impressions of the destroyed tree trunks. The impressive canopy of non-native albizia trees formerly growing here amplified the destruction of Hurricane Iselle as they toppled in the high winds, leading to a massive effort to eradicate invasive species from the monument.

Also found around here: Phallus indusiatus, a suggestively shaped stinkhorn mushroom whose unusual smell is rumored to elicit certain sensations in some women.


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