Endangered Jeju Mountain Willow
Explore Korea National Arboretum's commitment to protect the critically endangered Jeju mountain willow
Jeju mountain willow in the mountain HallaKorea National Arboretum
A panoramic view of the only habitat of Jeju mountain willow, the mountain Halla
Jeju mountain willow is a shrub. Its flowers bloom, before its leaves. It belongs to Salicaceae, the willow family, and has the distinctive feature that it grows sideways rather than upright because its habitats are located at high elevation.
Salix blinii H.Lév.Korea National Arboretum
Endangered Jeju mountain willow
The plant, which is fond of alpine climate, is at risk of becoming extinct since the average temperate of Mt. Halla is on the rise due to global warming.
Salix blinii H.Lév.Korea National Arboretum
Fortunately, its habitats have been protected, as access to the areas is prohibited due to their status as natural reserves.
Bird-eye view of the KNAKorea National Arboretum
Field study
The KNA conducted numerous field expeditions to the plant's habitat in collaboration, with the Jeju-do Government. They counted every tree and discovered that there are only 364 Jeju mountain willows left in the wild.
Korean Fir tree on Mt. HallaKorea National Arboretum
The extremely limited habitat added another risk to the willow's survival, although it was not the victim of direct human intervention. Its home ground is under threat by other species, in the same way that broadleaf bamboo encroached on Korean fir habitats.
Korean fir trees on the slope of Mt. HallaKorea National Arboretum
The habitat elevation at over 1,100 meters made conducting the field study dangerous. Many cliffs on the mountain were a major hindrance. However, there were no issues with water. Although it grows near mountain streams, those creeks are mostly dry.
Jeju moutain willow's habitatKorea National Arboretum
They gathered key data to draw up plans to protect the willow, based on research conducted over two years. This type of information is critical when it comes to accurately assessing the current situation of endangered plants.
Korea National Arboretum HerbariumKorea National Arboretum
Korea National Arboretum's commitment
The Arboretum botanists have done a wide range of research, in order to protect the habitat of the plant.
Salix blinii H.Lév.Korea National Arboretum
Artificial propagation
Germination is a process which plants shoot out their buds and start to develop.
Salix blinii H.Lév.Korea National Arboretum
The Korea National Arboretum prepares for the situation, that the Jeju mountain willow might disappear, by artificially propagating its seed.
Plant laboratory at the Korea National ArboretumKorea National Arboretum
Seed preservation
The Korea National Arboretum also takes various measures to protect the species, including: X-ray, microscopic photography and germination tests.
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