Distribution of Vascular Plants in the Ulleung Forest Trail Area (Seokpo to Naesujeon)

Abstract

The examination of the flora of the Sukpo-Naesujun section of the Ulleung forest trail revealed a total of 291 taxa, including 85 families, 211 genera, 246 species, 41 varieties, two forms, and two subspecies. In the area, the endangered plant species designated by the Ministry of Environment was Trillium tschonoskii, and rare or endangered plants designated by the Korea Forest Service were revealed to be 10 species, including Tsuga sieboldii, most of which were found around the trail. Campanula takesimana and Allium victorialis, in particular, are exposed to a threat of being collected for ornamental and eating purposes, respectively. The Korean endemic species in the area were 12 species including Fagus engleriana. In the area there were 50 floristic special plant species, the survey revealed 17 taxa of grade I, three taxa of grade II, nine taxa of grade III, 19 taxa of grade IV, and two taxa of grade V. Among them, Lilium hansonii and Trillium tschonoskii from grades IV and V are located near the trail, leading to concerns about damage by mountain climbers or residents. The naturalized plants in the area were a total of 18 taxa, including 6 families, 14 genera, 16 species, and one variety. Moreover, 25.4% of the overall naturalized plants in Ulleung-do appeared in the Ulleung forest trail.