Survival and growth of south Florida slash pines in four seasonal ponds at Archbold Biological Station, 1992-2001

These data summarize survival and plant size (height, basal diameter) for south Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) in four seasonal ponds at Archbold Biological Station from 1992-2001. Plants were seedlings, saplings, or small trees. The seasonal ponds were favorable for growth (0.1-0.6 m in height per year) and annual survival (usually over 80%) in the absence of fire or major flooding events. Flooding episodes during most of the study ranged from 3-11 months each year. Mortality increased with flooding intensity and decreased with plant size. Growth rates were not affected by flooding. Near the end of the study, two fires killed 72% of these pines (low intensity, prescribed) and 100% of these pines (intense wildfire). The study suggests that most seasonal ponds do not support large south Florida slash pine individuals despite generally favorable conditions, because of periodic flooding and fire.