• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 2016

Deutzia paniculata is an endemic species to the Korean Peninsula. Despite of importance for conservation, the population structure and habitat characteristics of D. paniculata have not been determined yet. We analyzed the ecological characteristics of the species based on the literature review and field survey. Field survey was conducted on May to October 2014 during which 11 quadrats of size $15{\times}15m$ were studied in six regions. Each of the quadrats were further divided into $5{\times}5m$ small quadrats and population characteristics were recorded. The population and habitat characteristics were analyzed, including species abundance (density and coverage), demographic attributes (flowering rates and fruiting plants), vegetation (structure, species composition), light availability (transmitted light and canopy openness) and soil characteristics (temperature and humidity). We found that D. paniculata mainly distributed in Gyeongsangdo (including Taebaek in Gangwondo) along a broad elevational range of 290~959 m (mean: 493 m) above sea level. In preferred habitat the species grows within the slope range of $7^{\circ}$ and $35^{\circ}$ with the average of $16^{\circ}$. D. paniculata was generally distributed on talus deposits and low adjacent slopes. The average number of individual plants per small quadrat was 12.5 with the mean density $0.5stems\;m^{-2}$. The vegetative reproduction was frequent in D. paniculata and mean flowering rate was as low as 15%. Altogether 138 taxa were found in whole observation area with the dominant tree species mainly spring ephemerals, such as Cornus controversa (importance value: 25.5%) and Fraxinus rhynchophylla (importance value: 15.8%). Although, C. controversa usually grows on steep slopes and F. rhynchophylla mostly distributed at high-altitudes, however, both species distributed in disturbed environments and among talus deposits. Thus based on our results, we concluded that D. paniculata is a disturbance-prone species, primarily existing in habitats subjected to natural disturbances, such as floods. The species occurs less at anthropogenically disturbed sites, thus there is no apparent threat to the populations and habitat of D. paniculata.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.223-239
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• 2005

The vascular plants collected from Dongwol Valley in Mt. Gyeryongsan, national park were composed of all 248 taxa including cultivated species, and classified into 1 phylum, 4 classes, 3 subclasses, 34 orders, 84 families, 178 species, 33 varieties and 4 forms. As compared the flora of the commonly distributing species of this region with those of the southern part, the middle part, the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju-do Island and Ulreung-do Island, the proportion of them were $90.3\%,\;98.0\%,\;79.0\%,\;73.8\%$ and $62.1\%$, respectively. One taxon of the plants distributed only in the southern part, 3 taxa of those in the middle part, 5 taxa of those in the middle-northern part and 23 taxa of those in the middle-southern part were found in this Valley. Natural resource plants were categorized into edible 118 taxa, medicinal 78 taxa, industrial 46 taxa, ornamental 39 taxa, timber 14 taxa and fiber 9 taxa. Four taxa of the Korean endemic plants are distributed in Dongwol Valley. The vegetation of the valley is Quercus and Rhododendron mixed forest, and it belongs to the boundary between the middle part and the southern part in the floral zone of the Korean Peninsula.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.83-116
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• 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the flora and vegetation of Yokjido Island in Tongyeong-si, Korea. Vascular plants collected six times (from March of 2015 to January of 2016) were identified as 547 taxa in total, including 113 families, 354 genera, 487 species, four subspecies, 50 varieties, four forms and two hybrids. The first records from this region contained 314 taxa. In the flora of this area, endemic Korean species numbered eight taxa, and the red list of vascular plants according to the IUCN valuation basis numbered six taxa. In addition, 86 taxa of floristic regional indicator plants specially designated by the Ministry of Environment are included. Among the species investigated in this survey, 99 taxa were identified as specific species bio-geographically as compared floras of other terrestrial regions; 97 taxa of plants in southern areas and two taxa of limited distribution plants on the Korean Peninsula. In all, 74 naturalized plants were recorded in the investigated area. Samples of the forest vegetation of Yokjido Island were mainly classified as Pinus thunbergii community and the Alus firma community. Vertical structures of the communities were stable, and a DBH-class analysis showed that the dominant tree species would be maintained. If disturbance factors such as thinning could be halted, the composition of woody species and herbaceous species would change.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.28-45
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• 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the flora of Sonjukdo Island(Yeosu-si), Korea. From results of four field surveys from April 2023 to October 2023, we identified 483 total taxa, representing 440 species, seven subspecies, 35 varieties, and one hybrid. They were placed in 322 genera and 109 families, including 249 taxa newly recorded in this study. Among them, four taxa were endemic to Korea, four taxa were IUCN red list plants, and 22 taxa were climate sensitive indicator plants. Floristic target plants amounted to 99 taxa, including two taxa of grade IV, 41 taxa of grade III, 10 taxa of grade II, and 46 taxa of grade I. A total of 54 taxa of alien plants were identified, with a Naturalized Index of 11.2% and an Urbanization Index of 13.8%. Three plants disturbed the ecosystem. The flora of this surveyed area belongs to the south-coast province among floral provinces of the Korean Peninsula. Our results provide basic data on vascular plants flora, plant species diversity, and distributional changes.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.615-630
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the flora of Mt. Seongdeok (Ganghwa-gun) in Korea. From the results of nine field surveys from March 2020 to July 2022, a total of 445 total taxa, representing 397 species, nine subspecies, 35 varieties, two forms and two hybrids were identified, which were placed in 273 genera and 93 families. The plant formation of Mt. Seongdeok is a deciduous broad-leaved and conifer mixed forest, which is common in the middle part of the Korean Peninsula. Most of the mountain is covered by a young secondary forest, which is mainly composed of Quercus ssp. and Pinus ssp. Among them, five taxa were endemic to Korea, one taxon were endangered plant and two taxa were red list plants. The floristic target plants amounted to 27 taxa, specifically one taxon of grade V, four taxa of grade III, seven taxa of grade II, and 15 taxa of grade I. And 43 taxa were northern lineage plants. A total of 46 species of alien plants were identified, with a Naturalized Index of 10.3%, an Urbanization Index of 11.7%, and six plants that disturbed the ecosystem. Our results provide basic data on vascular plants flora, and plant diversity and distributional changes.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.372-395
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• 2020

This study aimed to elucidate the distribution of vascular plants in Mt. Goryeo in Ganghwa-gun, Korea. The results of 14 field surveys from March 2018 to August 2019 identified 629 total taxa, representing 568 species, 10 subspecies, 45 varieties, two forms, and four hybrids in 371 genera and 112 families. The plant formation of Mt. Goryeo is the deciduous broad-leaved and conifer mixed forest, which is the common one in the middle part of the Korean Peninsula. Most parts of the mountain are covered with a young secondary forest, mainly composed of Quercus and Pinus spp. Out of the 629 taxa, 314 were first recorded in the region, six were endemic to Korea, four were listed on the Korean Red List of threatened species, 63 were floristic target plants, and 58 were invasive alien plants. The percentages of the naturalized index (NI) and urbanization index (UI) were 9.2% and 15.5%, respectively. The area showed a high plant diversity with many rare plants and phytogeographically important plants. This study discussed in detail conservation strategies to ensure biodiversity and effective management of Mt. Goryeo. The study results can be used as the reference for the preparation of biodiversity conservation and the establishment of management measures.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.288-299
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• 2011

Freshwater fish fauna and community structure were surveyed through 21 lakes in the Yeungnam area including Gyeongsangbukdo and Gyeongsangnamdo provinces, Korean Peninsula from April 2008 to October 2009. Among 21 lakes, 16 lakes belong to the Nakdong River and 5 are independent drainages. From the present study, 61 species (44 genera, 15 families) were collected including 32 cyprinid species (52.5%), 6 cobitid species (9.8%) and so on. The dominant and subdominant species in aspect of the number of individuals were Hypomesus nipponensis (26.6%) and Squalidus gracilis majimae (14.8%), respectively. On the other hand, in aspect of in biomass, dominant and subdominant species were Lepomis macrochirus (19.8%) and Cyprinus carpio (14.7%), respectively. Among 61 examined species, there were found 20 Korean endemic species and 2 Korean endangered species (Pseudobagrus brevicorpus and Pungitius kaibarae). P. brevicorpus was found in Yongyeonji and Yeongcheonho, and P. kaibarae in Yongyeonji. In addition, 5 exotic species were identified such as Cyprinus carpio nudus (leather carp), Carassius cuvieri, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides. Interestingly, a bluegill L. machrochirus appeared dominant or subdominant species in 5 of 21 examined lakes. Five species introduced from the other rivers in Korean Peninsula were additionally described. In the present study, it was first reported that Micropercops swinhonis inhabits in the Nakdong river basin. The fish species diversity, evenness and dominant indices were examined, and a dendrogram based on similarity indices of inhabiting species among the 21 examined lakes was constructed and discussed.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.80-80
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• 2018

Hosta is a genus of the family Asparagaceae and distributed in East Asia. There are six Hosta species (Hosta capitata (Koidz.) Nakai, H. clausa Nakai, H. jonesii M.G.Chung, H. minor (Baker) Nakai, H. venusta F.Maek., and H. yingeri S.B.Jones) native to Korea and among them, four species (H. minor, H. jonesii, H. venusta and H. yingeri) are endemic to the Korea peninsula. Hosta is generally propagated by seed, crown division or tissue culture. However, tissue culture is a more efficient method to mass proliferation, a new cultivar development and disease-free plantlet production in a limit time. Hence, we conducted this study to evaluate the influence of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) treatments on the induction of callus and somatic embryo of the six Hosta species. Leaf, petiole and root were used to select optimum tissue culture explants. Petiole explants thus only were used for callus induction and somatic embryogenesis with TDZ (0.1, 0.5 or 1.0mg/L) and NAA (0.1 or 0.5 mg/L) combinations. After 12 weeks of culture, the highest rate of somatic embryogenesis was achieved on modificated MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L TDZ and 0.1 mg/L NAA in H. capitata and H. minor (15.5%, respectively), 0.1 or 0.5 mg/L TDZ and 0.1 mg/L NAA in H. jonesii (22.2%), 1.0 mg/L TDZ and 0.5 mg/L NAA in H. yingeri (26.7%), and 0.1 mg/L TDZ and 0.5 mg/L NAA in H. venusta (53.3%). H. clausa showed very low effect on somatic embryogenesis by PGRs; 2.2%. There was interspecies difference to PGRs respond for callus and somatic embryo induction. Regenerated multiple shoots and plantlet of H. minor, H. jonesii, H. venusta and H. yingeri were obtained via somatic embryogenesis.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.396-418
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• 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the flora and the vegetation of Samusan mountain on Jecheon-si, located in the middle part of the Korean peninsula. The vascular plants which were collected in 9 times from June 2014 to October 2015 were identified as 502 taxa in total, including 102 families, 314 genera, 445 species, 6 subspecies, 49 varieties, 1 form and 1 hybrid. The largest families were as follows; Asteraceae (70 taxa), Poaceae (52 taxa), Rosaceae (30 taxa), Fabaceae (28 taxa), and Cyperaceae (20 taxa). Of them, Korean endemic plants numbered 10 taxa, and vascular plants listed in the red data according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) numbered 14 taxa. The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 61 taxa in total. Among them, 5 taxa revealed the floristic grade V, 11 for floristic grade IV, 14 for floristic grade III, 10 for floristic grade II, and 21 for floristic grade I. The alien plants were identified as 43 taxa and the percentage of naturalized index (NI) was 8.6%, and urbanization index (UI) was 13.4%, respectively. Samples of the forest vegetation on the Samusan Mt. were mainly classified as Pinus densiflora, Quercus variabilis, Q. acutissima, Q. mongolica, Zelkova serrata and Robinia pseudoacacia forest. The vertical structures of the forest were stable and the DBH-Class analyses showed that the dominant tree species would be maintained. In the surveyed areas, high plant diversity was shown, and a number of endemic, rare, calcicole plants and phytogeographically important plants were found. Nonetheless, numerous and diverse biological resources native have been consistently disturbed or damaged by human activities without some form of protection. Therefore, it is needed to set up strategies for conservation forest vegetation in this study area.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.250-293
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• 2021

Limestone areas are sedimentary rock outcrops consisting of calcium carbonate created several hundreds of millions of years ago by calcium-secreting marine organisms and subsequently lifted above sea level by tectonic movement. Limestone areas support very high levels of endemic species of plants and are recognized as biodiversity areas with much biological information. The purpose of this study is to devise a strategy for the comprehensive conservation of the vegetation of limestone areas through analyses of the floristics and plant species compositions in ten limestone areas on the Korean Peninsula. The results of 153 field surveys from April of 2010 to October of 2016 identified 1,202 taxa in total, representing 1,096 species, 18 subspecies, 84 varieties, 2 forms, and 2 hybrids in 530 genera and 133 families. Among them, 55 taxa were endemic plants to Korea, and 38 taxa were red data plants. The floristic target plants amounted to 102 taxa, specifically 27 taxa of grade V and 75 taxa of grade IV. In all, 121 alien plants were recorded in the investigated area. Calciphilous plants amounted to 102 taxa, specifically 14 taxa of calciphilous indicator plants, 30 taxa of superlative most calciphilous plants, and 58 taxa of comparative more calciphilous plants. A cluster analysis showed a high degree of similarity between sites that are geographically adjacent with similar habitat environments. Limestone areas also supported groups distinct from those in non-limestone areas, demonstrating the specificity of limestone flora. Plant geography approaches therefore appear to be crucial to gain a better understanding of the level of biodiversity in limestone areas, not only at the interspecific but also at the intraspecific level. These results highlight the importance of protecting limestone habitats to preserve not only their interspecific but also the intraspecific diversity, which is highly threatened.