Slash Pine / Palmetto Savanna, Everglades Headwaters NWR

Photo of Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)

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Taken on Oct. 13, 2020

This photo shows a slash pine and palmetto savanna in Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Florida. The slash pines' form is evident in this photo, with the trunks being completely straight until the crown, and devoid of lower branches, an adaptation to the prevalence of fire in these communities.

These communities, although wet during the growing season, are prone to fire, especially during the window in spring in which thunderstorms show up but before heavy rainfall arrives. By shedding lower branches, these trees prevent ground fires from spreading into the crown and killing mature trees.