Distributions and Red Data of Wild Orchids in the Korean Peninsula

Abstract

The distribution on 88 taxa of wild orchids in the Korean Peninsula was investigated by the examinations of specimens and the distribution maps were presented. The species numbers distributed at each eight floral regions in the Korean Peninsula are as the followings; Gapsan Province 27 taxa, Gwanbuk 21,Gwanseo 13, Middle 37, South 39, Southern-coast 33, Jeju 64 and Ulleung 19. Most species (72.7%) of Korean wild orchids are found in the Jeju Island. Eighteen taxa of them are restricted to the island in the Korean Peninsula. Among Korean species, 30 taxa grow at evergreen broad-leaved forests, and 16 are northern elements distributed at high mountains or northern part. In terms of distribution, the Korean wild orchid species are classified into IUCN Red List Categories by a modified criterion for Korean plants. No orchid species included EX or EW categories is found in the Korean Peninsula. Ten species are designated to be in CR category; Cymbidium kanran, C. lancifolium, C. ensifolium, Cypripedium japonicum, Cyrtosia septentrionalis, Dendrobium moniliforme, Habenaria chejuensis, H. radiata, Neofinetia falcata and Sedirea japonica, of which C. ensifolium and H. chejuensis are regarded as CR species for the first time. On the other hand, 22 taxa are classified into EN category, and the following nine taxa are newly proposed to be EN species; Gastrochilus japonicum, G. fuscopunctatus, Gastrodia verrucosa, Habenaria flagellifera, Herminium lanceum var. longicrure, Chamaegastrodia sikokiana, Lecanorchis kiusiana, Neottia hypocastanoptica and Tipularia japonica.