• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.253-259
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• 2012

The genetic variation in populations of Eranthis byunsanensis, an endemic and rare species of Korea, was studied using starch gel electrophoresis. All five known populations were sampled for allozyme electrophoresis of nine enzymes coded by 10 loci. The overall genetic variation of E. byunsanensis population was shown to be considerably high within the populations (A = 2.4, P = 90.0, $H_E$ = 0.311). A positive $F_{IS}$ value of E. byunsanensis indicated an overall deficiency of heterozygotes, and a low $F_{ST}$ value (0.131) showed little differentiation among populations. The high genetic variation, less genetic differentiation among populations, and a significant amount of heterozygote deficiency propose the hypothesis that they have an experience of recent isolation and fragmentation of their habitat. Thus, the rate of gene flow has been drastically reduced, and the rate of inbreeding in E. byunsanensis populations has increased. Current habitats in Mai-san and Naro-do are vulnerable due to their small population size and the levels of anthropogenic activity in the region constantly threatening survival of this species. Because of the high genetic variation and low levels of differentiation among populations in E. byunsanensis, it is not issue which populations have a priority for protection, but we may concern the plan to maintain population continuously and diminish the rate of inbreeding.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.105-107
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• 2010

This study was carried out to find specific characters of the seed morphology and anatomy of Korean Eranthis in Ranunculaceae. As a result, E. byunsanensis differs with E. stellata on the basis of presence of unicellular hairs on the seed surface. E. stellata has no unicellular hairs on its seed surface. On the other hand, E. byunsanensis bears such unicellular hairs derived from epidermal cells of the seed surface. Besides other morphological characters used when it was published as a new species, the presence of unicellular hairs on the seed surface strongly supports it as an endemic species of Korea. In addition, to compare the seed morphology of E. pinnatifida and E. pungdoensis, for which mature seeds were not available at this time, an additional study should be conducted in near future.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.90-97
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• 2012

Environmental characteristics and vegetation of the natural habitats of Eranthis byunsanensis B.Y. Sun were investigated in order to provide the basic data for conservation, restoration, and utilization of this Korean endemic plant. This study was conducted in Anyang, Byeonsan, Geoje, Gyeongju, Jeju, Ulsan and Yeosu. E. byunsanensis was distributed around the altitudes of 84~585 m with a slope degree of $10{\sim}20^{\circ}$, and mostly formed discontinuous populations in north-east part of valleys. Soil analysis showed the mean organic matter of 9.6% and a slightly acidic pH (mean pH of 4.9). The mean gravimetric water content was 16.5%. Correlation coefficients between environmental factors and community characteristics suggested that there was a positive correlation between slope degree and soil water content, between slope degree and soil pH, between soil organic matter and importance value, and between species richness or evenness and species diversity. The vascular plants from 59 quadrats of 7 habitats were identified into 144 taxa. A few species were dominants and similarly distributed in Byeonsan, Jeju, Ulsan and Yeosu. The highest species diversity was found in Geoje (1.43), while Anyang showed the lowest (0.87). Species evenness of Gyeongju and Jeju was bigger than 0.8, but that of Geoje was the lowest (0.59). Dominant species of woody plants in and around the 59 plots were represented by high frequency of Acer pictum subsp. mono, Carpinus cordata, Lindera obtusiloba, and Carpinus laxiflora. The results of this study can provide useful data for conservation and restoration of natural habitats of Korean endemic Eranthis byunsanensis and for the development and growth of this species for ornamental purposes.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.86-88
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• 2009

A new species of Eranthis (Ranunculaceae), E. pungdoensis B.U. Oh is described from Pung-do, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do in Korea. The new species is distinct from E. byunsanensis, its closely relative species, in having broad funnelform petals, 2.5-3.7 mm long, 2.4-3.5 mm wide and restricted distributional area.