Studies on the Floristic Composition and Succession of the Shrub Communities at the Summit of Mt. Halla, Cheju Island, Korea

Empetrum nigrum dominant community or Rhododendron mucronulatum and R. yedoense var. poukhanense dominant shrub community are developing above l,500m on Mt. Halla in Cheju Island, Korea. These communities were formed as a result of the forest of Abies koreana regression by grazing or erosion over a long period of time. This study was conducted using the phytosociological method and it clarified the floristic composition of the community in Cheju Island by comparing with a similar community in Japan. Also this study interpreted the development data of these communities and considered community succession. As a result of our interpretation, shrub community of Cheju Island is recognized as two associations, Festuco obinae-Empetretum nigrum ass. nov and Rhododendretum mucronulatum ass. nov. Each association of Cheju Island is composed of endemic species of Cheju Island. related to the Korean peninsula and to Japan. The two associations are divided into 8 sub-units but each community development has been created with longtime grazing and prescribed fire. Maybe the location stability by stoppage of interference and grazing will process community transition Quickly. Comparing the shrub communities of Cheju Island with Maianthemo-Rhododendretum in Kyushu, Japan, which is close geographically, both areas have the species of Miscanthetea sinesis and Ericaceae in common. But Cheju Island has more abundant species and has higher ratio of appearance of alpine plants. The shrub communities of Cheju Island and Kyushu. Japan are identified as having a different rank over Alliance.