9 Korean Trees at Risk

Plants have a wide range of value; edible, medicinal and ornamental purposes. However, plants with distinctive qualities are on the verge of disappearing, even now, as a result of global environmental disruption and climate change.

IUCN warned that about 30% of global plant resources will likely be categorized as endangered within the 21st century. The international community has adopted the Convention on Biological Diversity to protect biodiversity.

Seorak-san Mountain is the southernmost area where northern lineage plants can live. Their population is endangered, as the remaining number is approximately one hundred. The Arboretum conducts constant monitoring to protect this unique species.

Yanggu is the southernmost habitat of Korean necklace pods. It is highly likely that Korean necklace pod is going to decline in number, if global warming continues at this pace. The plant is fond of a cold climate and it might not be able to live in a warmer area.

The plant is particularly vulnerable to summer heat and dryness. Jeju Island, where this species lives, is becoming warmer and their main habitat, Hallasan Mountain, is simultaneously affected. The Arboretum has collected and stored its seeds at the Arboretum Seed Bank.

The tree lives on the edge of forests of limestone areas. It is a small tree that grows up to 3 to 5 meters. Its habitat in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do is also home to many other rare species. The Arboretum installed a protection facility in the area and conducts regular monitoring.

Korean deutzia, also known as 'Korimalbaldori'' in Korean, blooms white flowers in May and June at the end of new stems. Some Korean deutzias have less flowers than usual due to environmental change. Constant monitoring and in, ex-situ conservation.

Early forsythia is called a 'messenger of spring' as it blooms early in spring. Bright yellow flowers bloom in March and April. It grows up to 1.5 meters and has ovate leaves that are oppositely arranged. Arboretum botanists continue to conduct academic research on the plant.

The Korean name 'miseonnamu' is derived from its leaf shape; traditional tail fans. Korean abeliophyllum's flower is usually white, it may have different colors depending on the cultivar.

Jeju-do buckthorn's relatives belong to the Rhamnaceae family, and live mainly on the northern part of the Korean peninsula, from Hamgyeong-do in North Korea to Gangwon-do in South Korea.

The Korean name consists of 'Jodo, mandu and namu'. The species was first discovered in 1994 on Jodo Island. Its fruit resembles a dumpling when ripe and namu refers to a tree. Thus it means a dumpling tree of Jodo.

The Korea National Arboretum categorized 571 rare plant species according to the IUCN Red List. More care and attention is further needed to protect endangered species.