Plant thriving on volcanic fumes

Some plants are remarkably adaptive to be able to live in diverse environments, including those we might think are inhospitable. This branch was growing directly above the fumarole shown in yesterday's photo. It apparently is not bothered by the repulsive fumes that surround it.

The seed pods on this plant are also unusual. They look like acorns stuffed with cotton. I believe that this is what is known as a buttercup tree, sometimes called a cotton tree, and locally referred to as poro-poro. Its scientific name is cochlospermun vitifolium.

It grows to a height of 8-10 meters, or 25-33 feet. It is a dry forest plant, growing commonly in Central America in plains areas, but not in a dense forest under the canopy of higher trees. It loses its leaves in January and February, which is part of the dry season. It later bursts into color with bright yellow flowers.