The Pineland is probably the most characteristic of all the ecosystems in the Everglades when considering the presence of it through time and the number of endemic species found in it. The dominant species of this ecosystem is Slash Pine (Pinus elliotti). Two pecies of palmettos are frequently found in the under story of the Pinelands, the Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) and a stunted version of the Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto). Both of these small palms are extremely fire resistant.

Pinelands grow where the elevation is higher than surrounding land and is characterized by outcroppings of rough limestone and thin soil. Pinelands can tolerate short hydroperiods during the rainy season but are will not survive long hydroperiods (being submerged under water for a long time). The landscape in the Pinelands in the Everglades is very irregular. There are lots of “solution holes” where the limestone base has eroded away. These are usually filled with water.

Any invasive vegetation will easily out compete the natives of the Pinelands. Fire is extremely important in destroying these exotics and to maintain the openness of the Pineland. If pinelands are protected against fire they will become Hardwood Hammocks by succession. The species found in the Pinelands are adapted to survive frequent fires either by resistance or reproductive adaptation. Frequent fires keep the fuel level low and clear out the Hardwood Hammock species, which constantly invade.

Botanists are especially interested in the pinelands of southern Florida because they harbor at least twenty endemic species (found only in a central region and nowhere else on earth). Some examples are the Milk Pea (Galactia pinetorum) and Poinsettia (Poinsettia pinetorum).

Various birds and mammals are found in the Pinelands like the Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) and White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The endangered and ever illusive Florida Panther (Felis concolor) also calls the Pinelands home.