Diversity of vascular plants native to the Ulleungdo and Dokdo Islands in Korea

Abstract

The native vascular plants on Ulleungdo and Dokdo islands in Korea were investigated with the objective of determining conservation priorities and establishing a sustainable strategy for conservation of the plant species diversity. A total of 2,058 voucher specimens collected were identified and listed the diversity of plant species of each island. And the species composition, life forms, and rare and endemic species were characterized with respect to the plant species list. The vascular plants native to Ulleungdo island were surveyed 494 taxa in total comprising 102 families, 306 genera, 427 species, 6 subspecies, 57 varieties, 5 forma, and 1 hybrid. Among these, the distribution of 30 taxa was newly identified. On Dokdo island, 58 taxa were recorded comprising 28 families, 49 genera, 47 species, 1 subspecies, 6 varieties, and 1 hybrid. The 496 and 58 taxa of vascular plants native to Ulleungdo and Dokdo islands were classified based on the genera of vascular of Korea (F.K.E.C. 2007), respectively. We provide details on those endangered plants characterized by small population sizes and numbers, and discuss measures for the conservation of plant species diversity on Ulleungdo and Dokdo island, with respect to these endangered plants in particular and to the native plants in general.