It is a pioneer species, one of those that settle on the volcanic lava and transform it slowly, creating favorable conditions for the settlement of other more complex plant species.
Behind the high-soundin Latin name, stereocaulon vesuvianum, there is a simple lichen, of grey colour, which has covered the lavas of the eruptions of the Vesuvius of the last century, which happened in 1906, 1929 and in 1944. On the oldest lava flows, clearly visible from the paths of the National Park of Vesuvius@, it is already accompanied by other pioneer species such as red valerian (Centranthus ruber), the cistus, the helichrysum (Helichrysum litoreum) and the artemisia (Artemisia campestris), which colour the dark volcanic rocks. On the lava flows of 1944 it is instead prevalent and for large stretches often solitary. It is well camouflaged due to its coloration similar to the dark rock on which it grows. 
At morning. Because at night, in the moonlight, it floods the apparently barren expanse of lava with silver reflections.
Ph:@Angelo Ammendola
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