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.