• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2018

The imports of Centella asiatica L. Urban are increasing year-by-year due to the fact that its extract is a raw material used for skin wounds and in cosmetics. However, studies on the cultivation and identification of native C. asiatica species in Korea have been extremely rare. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to investigate the physiological and functional activity of Korean native C. asiatica plant cultivated in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. As a result, the highest antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities were examined with methanol extract while skin-whitening and wrinkle improvement were examined with water extract. Seven bacterium and one fungus were treated with 50% methanol extracts of C. asiatica and most of the bacterium showed similar or low levels of antibacterial activity compared to the control group of Omiza (Schisandra chinensis) extract, except for Streptococcus pyogenes, which showed higher antimicrobial activity than that of Omiza extract. However, neither C. asiatica and Omiza extracts showed antimicrobial activity against the fungus, C. albicans. The results of anti-inflammatory effect analyses with Raw 264.7 cells confirmed that the treatment of methanol extract reduced the level of NO by 50% or more compared to the control group. In addition, the water extract showed the highest reduction of melanin content of up to 20% more than the control group when examined with B16F10 cell line, indicating a significant skin-whitening effect. Furthermore, we were able to show the significant skin wrinkle improvement caused by C. asiatica extract with NHDF cell as an indicator, but strong cytotoxicity was also observed, suggesting that further studies are necessary.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.49-70
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• 2009

Floral study on the vegetation of 8 mountains including Taehwa-san, Mugab-san, Haehyeob-san, Guksa-bong, Gwanggyo-san, Samseong-san, Suri-san, and 200m peak neighboring to Mulwang lake was carried out from April to October, 2007. They belong to the middle part of Gyeonggi Province, and located between Lat. $37^{\circ}$13' 31.19" ${\sim}37^{\circ}$33' 3.48", Long. $26^{\circ}$43' 04.1" ${\sim}127^{\circ}$26' 28.38". Vascular plants collected in these areas were total 447 taxa composed of 386 species, 5 subspecies, 46 varieties and 10 forms of 262 genera under 92 families. The area from which the most plentiful plants were found was Mt. Gwanggyo-san. The areas with comparatively excellent vegetation are easy slopes nearby valleys in Mt. Gwanggyo-san, Mt. Suri-san and Mt. Haehyeob-san. Forests of the examined areas are generally mixed of Pinus densiflora and Quercus plants, but herbaceous plants covering soil are becoming nearly extinct by air and soil pollutions except some sites. Families with abundant species are Compositae, Rosaceae, Liliaceae and Graminae, etc. Endemic plants found in these areas are 8 taxa of Clematis brachyura, Euonymus trapococcus, Viola seoulensis, Ajuga spectabilis, Scutellaria insignis, Weigela subsessilis, Aster koraiensis, Aconitum chiisanense and rare and endangered plants are 7 taxa of Arisaema heterophyllum, Iris odaesanensis, Eranthis stellata., Aconitum chiisanense, Prunus yedoensis (cultivar), Viola albida, and Syringa wolfi. As to useful plants, 192 taxa for the edible, 132 taxa for the medicinal, 130 taxa for the ornamental and 11 taxa for the staining were classified respectively. Among 17 taxa of specially designated plants, 5th degree plants are 2 taxa of Iris odaesanensis and Prunus yedoensis (cultivar), 4th degree plants are 2 taxa of Symplocarpus renifolius and Syringa wolfi, 3rd degree plants are 13 taxa of Dryopteris gymnophylla, Juniperus chinensis, Betula chinensis, Betula davurica, Diarrhena fauriei, Aconitum longecassidatum, Eranthis stellata, Spiraea salicifolia, Acer palmatum, Vaccinium koreanum, Scutellaria insignis, Weigela florida and Adoxa moschatellina.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.257-261
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• 2004

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii Henry is a short and creeping evergreen shrub which reaches about 50㎝ in height and occurs in the northeast Asia and in high mountains over the South Korea. Its distribution is restricted, and the number of individuals are gradually decreasing. This study was conducted to estimate spatial pattern, genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of J. chinensis var. sargentii. A total of 131 clumps were studied in the study area (40m × 60m). The spatial pattern of this population was random (Aggregation index R=1.031). In spite of the small number and the limited distribution, the level of genetic diversity (Shannon's index 1=0.463) was relatively high as compared with those of other plant species with similar ecological characteristics. ISSR genotypes of all individuals were investigated to find the genetic relationship of clumps and genets. Fifteen clumps were composed to be clones, and a total of 116 unique genotypes were composed by separate genets. Spatial autocorrelation analysis using Tanimoto distance showed that the genetic patch was established within 8m. The effect of clonal reproduction on genetic structure was almost nothing.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.101 no.2
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• pp.236-243
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• 2012

The leaf growth and physiological characteristics of Forsythia saxatilis were investigated at six natural habitats under different light intensities in Bukhansan in order to figure out an appropriate growth environment for conservation and restoration of F. saxatilis that is Korean endemic plant designated as rare and endangered species. Relative light intensities (RLI) at six habitats showed from 10% to 78% of the full sun. Leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and dry leaf weight of population under highest relative light intensity (78%) were the highest. The ratio of dry leaf weight to leaf area increased with the increase of RLI. The content of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid were the highest at 78% of RLI, whereas the ratio of total chlorophyll to carotenoid content reduced according to the increase of RLI. Photosynthetic parameters, such as photosynthetic rate, also increased with the increase of RLI. The total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) was 1.5 times higher at 78% of RLI than that at 10% of RLI and the total soluble sugar (TSS) was the highest at 78% of RLI. In conclusion, leaf characteristics and physiological characteristics have high positive correlation with light intensity. Therefore, light condition should be primarily considered to improve growth and physiology characteristics of F. saxatilis under low light intensity.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.110-123
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• 2016

In order to obtain scientific information for the conservation of Utricularia japonica Makino, rare plant species, we investigated life history, phenology, growth and distribution in the east coastal region of Korea. Seven habitats of U. japonica were confirmed in this study. Turion of U. japonica rests overwinter at the bottom and ripens at the water surface and then usually germinate and sprout when the water warms in spring. A single shoot grown from turion divided into several shoots. Shoot decomposition started in October and formed a new turion at the end of the decomposed shoot. Flowering period was from early July to late October. Percentage of flowering ramets was significantly low as 6.3%. U. japonica showed the fastest growth rate from April to July, the maximum growth in August and the highest biomass in October. U. japonica tended to be concentrated in larger ramets in the water depth of 50 cm~150 cm in Cheonjin lake. The main factors affecting the growth of U. japonica were water temperature and turbidity. The establishment and growth of U. japonica in Cheonjin lake were determined by responses to water temperature with seasonal change and to light conditions caused by the different plants. These conditions affect the temporal and spatial distribution of U. japonica and population change. The findings of this study would be helpful to provide the basic information needed for the conservation and restoration of U. japonica.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.38-59
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• 2008

This research has a meaning to provide basic data for eco-friendly way of district unit plans and ecological landscape planning by evaluation of biotope preservation value at the level of district unit and designating land development of the site, the whole area of Sinseo-dong (Dong-gu, Daegu metropolitan city) for research site. The summary of analysis result is as follows. As a result of classification of biotope types on the research site, it is divided into 11 biotope groups such as a residential biotope group and 51 specific biotope types which is subordinate to the groups. As a result of the first value assessment on classified biotope types, there are 16 types of natural rivers which is full of vegetation as a I class. Also it is analysed as 9 types of IIclass, 14 of IIIclass, 8 of IVclass, and 4 of Vclass. In particular, in light of a wildlife habitat, EB, in case of broad-leaved tree of mixed forest assessed as a II class, was classified into Iclass which is one-step upgraded as a final class with the analysis as there is a structural characteristic (more than 71% of low density, 50 years of age-class). As a result of second assessment, it is analysed that there are 17 special sites (1a,1b) and 33 special sites (2a, 2b, 2c) respectively for preservation of species and biotope. Particularly, in case of the No. 27 space, it was assessed that it has the value of about medium (IIIclass) level, but its value was upgraded with the on-spot detailed investigation that most of Aristolochia contorta, designated as a rare plant by Ministry of Environment, is growing. It is regarded that the above-mentioned research result on evaluation of biotope preservation value is expected to provide very important basic materials for future district unit plans and smooth integration with landscape ecology plans and eco-friendly space development.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.268-287
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• 2022

This study reports newly discovered seven forest wetlands in the western part of the Korean Demilitarized Zone-Civilian Control Zone ecoregion. The wetland assessment criteria proposed by National Arboretum were adopted to evaluate four fields: vegetation and landscape, biogeochemical cycle, hydraulics and hydrology, and social-cultural-historical landscape and disturbances. Among seven wetlands located in Gimpo and Paju, five were of the fallow field type and two were of the natural type. A total of 474 plant species were recorded, including nine rare plants, such as the Carex capricornis Meinsh. ex Maxim. Three forest wetlands were sorted into A-grade, three into B-grade, and one into C-grade. Monitoring forest wetlands scattered across the border area ruled by military regulations can be challenging; still, as forest wetlands with high conservation value turned out, further investigations through remote sensing and cooperation by the relevant agencies will be required.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2009

Objectives : To determine the discriminative criteria for Atractylodes rhizomes, the experiment of externalinternal characteristics and physicochemical pattern analysis were performed. Methods : External characteristics was observed using stereoscope. The sectioned materials which were covered with parffin were stained by Ju's method. Physicochemical patterns were analyzed using HPLC/DAD. Results : 1. External shape of original plant : Atractylodes maaocephala and A. japonica had relatively long petioles and 3-5 parted leaves. A. macrocephala had big purple flowers whereas A. japonica had relatively small white flowers and pinnate bracts. A. lancea had sessile leaves and white flowers, and the end parts of degenerated stamens were bent. 2. External shape of herbal medicine: A. macrocephala which was fist-shaped rhizome had pa-pillate processes and the cross section was light gray and sulcate. A. japonica and A. lancea were connected-beady or tubercular rhizomes, and the cross sections were both yellow-colored white. However, the cross section of A. japonica was fibrous, the width of cortex was narro-wer than that of stele, and radial shape in cortex was rare, whereas the width of cortex in A. lancea was similar to that of stele in size, and radial shape in cortex was obvious. 3. Internal shape of herbal medicine: A. macrocephala and A. lancea did not have lignified fascicles in cortex. However, the vascular bundles and vessels of A. macrocephala were wedge shaped and radial arrangement, and vascular bundles were densely populated in stele whereas those of A. lancea were repeatedly arranged and thinly extended to cortex. A. japonica had lignified fascicles in cortex and the width of vascular bundles was conspicuously thick with narrow intervals. 4. Physicochemical pattern analysis : A. macrocephala and A. lancea contained atractylenolide I and atractylenolide Ill whereas A. japonica contained atractylenolide I, atractylenolide Ill. diacetyl-atractylodiol, compound-4, compound-5. The three species of Atractylodes rhizomes showed different chromatogram patterns. Conclusions : The results could be used as discriminative criteria for Atractylodes rhizomes and as fundamental materials to researches of further pattern analysis and biological reaction.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.365-375
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• 2017

This study investigated in the vascular plants of special protection zones (the native land of Iris koreana in Gaeamsa Temple and Soeppulbawi Rock) of Byeonsanbando National Park and identified the whole flora. The numbers of vascular plants were summarized as 255 taxa including 71 families, 166 genera, 222 species, 2 subspecies, 27 varieties and 4 forms. Woody plants were identified as 114 taxa (44.7%) and herbaceous plants as 141 taxa (55.3%). A total of 178 taxa were identified in the area of Gaeamsa Temple, and 184 taxa were found in the Soeppulbawi Rock. As a legal protected species, the endangered wild plant II grade Iris koreana designated by the Ministry of Environment was confirmed. A total of 6 taxa of rare plants were identified, each of which was divided into 1 taxa of critically endangered (CR; Iris koreana), 1 taxa of vulnerable (VU; Ilex cornuta), and 4 taxa of least concern (LC; Asarum maculatum, Viola albida, Chionanthus retusa and Tricyrtis macropoda). The Korean endemic plants were 11 taxa (Populus tomentiglandulosa, Lonicera subsessilis, Carex okamotoi, etc.). In the specific plants by floristic region were 38 taxa, a degree I were 23 taxa (Euscaphis japonica, Hedera rhombea, Lophatherum gracile, etc.), 7 taxa of a degree II (Viola violacea, Ainsliaea apiculata, Cephalanthera falcata, etc.), 6 taxa of a degree III (Ilex cornuta, Callicarpa mollis, Mitchella undulata, etc.), 1 taxa of a degree IV (Carex remotiuscula), 1 taxa of a degree V (Iris koreana). The Iris koreana special protection area that is more natural and healthier than any other areas in Byeonsanbando National Park. Therefore, it should be possible to continue its role as a special protection area through regular monitoring in the future.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.289-300
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• 2009

Flora distribution was surveyed in the newly reclaimed tidal flats in the west coastal area in Korea to understand changes in flora dynamics after reclamation. The surveyed reclaimed tidal flats were the newly reclaimed tidal flat in Hangdam, the mid Kyonggi Bay in 2002, and three reclaimed lands in Seukmun and Daeho, Chungnam, and Hangdam in Kyonggi Bay, of which reclamation years based on embankment were 7, 9 and 18 years, respectively. In the newly reclaimed tidal flat, the dominant flora was Suaeda japonica and other florae were rare, while various halophytes and glycophytes were distributed in the reclaimed lands. On the newly reclaimed tidal flat, four species of halophytic pioneer florae, Salicornia europaea, Suaeda glauca, Suaeda japonica, and Suaeda maritime occurred, and along with age facultative halophyte and glycophyte occurred sequently. On the reclaimed lands, the florae were more complex with various facultative halophyte and glycophyte, so these were predominated rather than pioneer halophyte, while one of pioneer halophyte that Suaeda japonica was not occurred. Increasing of various facultative halophyte and glycophyte, and decreasing of pioneer halophyte indicated that flora changed toward to increase of facultative halophyte and glycophyte by aged after reclamation. On the newly reclaimed tidal flat the ratio of flora species changed rapidly with the invasion of plant. This implied that the flora had begun to change in the early stage of reclamation. Facultative halophyte and glycophyte started to increase on the early stage of reclamation but relative density and frequency of pioneer halophyte was higher than facultative halophyte and glycophyte. According to the investigation up to 3 years after reclamation, pioneer halophyte predominated on it. Although flora changed, there were common representative halophytes among the reclaimed tidal flats: Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Suaeda glauca as pioneer halophyte, Aster tripolium, Sonchus brachyotus, and Phragmites communis as facultative halophytes.