Erythronium Japonicum Research Articles

Insights into the Major Metabolites Involved in the Underground Floral Differentiation of Erythronium japonicum.

Background Erythronium japonicum Decne (Liliaceae) is an early spring ephemeral with an underground initial floral differentiation stage. The flowering mechanism is crucial in ornamental plants due to the associated economic value. Therefore, this study is aimed at exploring the metabolic landscape during floral differentiation, including flower primordium, perianth, stamen, and the pistil differentiation period, in E. japonicum coupled with a conjoint analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome. Using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we identified 586 metabolites from 13 major metabolite classes. Comparative metabolomics between different floral developmental stages revealed several abundant metabolites during the respective phases. Upaccumulation of p-coumaroylputrescine, scopoletin, isorhoifolin, cosmosiin, genistin, and LysoPC 15 : 0 emphasized the significance of these compounds during flower development. Furthermore, previously identified DEGs, viz., EARLY FLOWERING 3, Flowering locus K, PHD finger-containing protein, and zinc finger SWIM domain-containing protein for floral differentiation, depicted a high correlation with lipid, flavonoid, and phenolics accumulation during floral developmental stages. Conclusions Together, the results improve our interpretation of the underground floral development in E. japonicum.

Seed dispersal mechanism of Erythronium japonicum in Northeast China

Seed dispersal is recognized as a very important stage in the life history of plant sexual reproduction. Seed dispersal directly determines whether plant seeds can reach the favorable germination sites and ensure the successful germination of seeds subsequently which is the first stage of plant seedling establishment. The final dispersal location of seeds with diplochory usually requires the joint decision of two stages including primary seed dispersal and secondary seed dispersal. The seed dispersal of Erythronium japonicum by ants was investigated in three different habitats. The effect of seed maturity on seed fate and the effects of elaiosome removal and water immersion on seed dispersal in the wild were studied. The results showed that eight species of ants were involved in E. japonicum seed dispersal in the three habitats. The seed handling efficiency and the number of seeds transported by ants were affected by the composition of ant community and the size of ant population. There was a strong correlation between the seed dispersal distance and the body length of ants. Small ants may have expanded their foraging range through fierce struggle. The immature E. japonicum seeds will also be handling by ants, indicating that the seed elaiosome mature prior to seeds. We found elaiosome plays an important role in the dispersal of E. japonicum seeds, and it can also be used as a “handle point” for smaller ants. The components of elaiosome are not easily soluble in water, which can avoid the loss of the attraction of E. japonicum seeds to ants due to the rain during the seed dispersal process.

Transcriptomic Insight into Underground Floral Differentiation in Erythronium japonicum.

Erythronium japonicum Decne (Liliaceae) flowers in early spring after overwintering. Its sexual reproduction process includes an underground development process of floral organs, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are obscure. The present study is aimed at exploring the transcriptional changes and key genes involved at underground floral developmental stages, including flower primordium differentiation, perianth differentiation, stamen differentiation, and pistil differentiation in E. japonicum. Multistage high-quality transcriptomic data resulted in identifying putative candidate genes for underground floral differentiation in E. japonicum. A total of 174,408 unigenes were identified, 28,508 of which were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at different floral developmental stages, while only 44 genes were identified with conserved regulation between different stages. Further annotation of DEGs resulted in the identification of 270 DEGs specific to floral differentiation. In addition, ELF3, PHD, cullin 1, SE14, ZSWIM3, GIGNATEA, and SERPIN B were identified as potential candidate genes involved in the regulation of floral differentiation. Besides, we explored transcription factors with differential regulation at different developmental stages and identified bHLH, FAR1, mTERF, MYB-related, NAC, Tify, and WRKY TFs for their potential involvement in the underground floral differentiation process. Together, these results laid the foundation for future molecular works to improve our understanding of the underground floral differentiation process and its genetic regulation in E. japonicum.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Asian Fawn Lily (Erythronium japonicum) Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice.

Neuroinflammation is associated with an increased risk of depression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment is known to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and a depressive-like phenotype in mice. Although Erythronium japonicum exhibits various health benefits, the role of E. japonicum extract (EJE) in inflammation-associated depression is unknown. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effect of EJE on LPS-induced depressive symptoms in mice using the open field test (OFT), passive avoidance test (PAT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST). LPS-treated mice had significantly increased immobility time in the TST and FST, decreased step-through latency time in the PAT, and decreased locomotor activity in the OFT. However, administration of 100 and 300 mg/kg of EJE significantly improved these depressive-like behaviors. EJE also prevented the increase in mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and the decrease in IL-10 levels by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65 phosphorylation. Additionally, LPS-treated mice showed markedly decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, while EJE treatment significantly increased these levels in the hippocampus. These results suggest that EJE ameliorated LPS-induced depressive-like behavior by reducing LPS-induced neuroinflammation and activating the BDNF-PI3K/Akt pathway.

Protective effects of Erythronium japonicum and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki extracts against 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Erythronium japonicum (E. japonicum) and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki (C. coreana Uyeki, Korean winter hazel) have been shown to significantly decrease 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP)-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and CYP2E1 activity in HuH7, human hepatocytes. In this study, we expanded upon the previous study and investigated the effects of E. japonicum and C. coreana Uyeki extracts on 1,3-DCP-induced liver damage in rats. The pre-treatment of rats with these extracts alleviated a decrease in body weight and reduced 1,3-DCP-induced increase in catalytic activities of hepatic enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, in the serum. Moreover, treatment with the extracts restored the 1,3-DCP-induced decreases in anti-oxidant enzyme activities, such as the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, in the rat liver. Histopathological studies also strongly supported the results of enzyme activities. These results suggest a possibility that the extracts of E. japonicum and C. coreana Uyeki can be a remedy for alleviating 1,3-DCP-induced liver damage in animals.

Erythronium japonicum Alleviates Inflammatory Pain by Inhibiting MAPK Activation and by Suppressing NF-κB Activation via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Microglial activation-mediated neuroinflammation influences the development of inflammatory pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of aqueous Erythronium japonicum extract (EJE) in microglia activation-mediated inflammatory pain. EJE was found to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1), and pro-inflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells. In addition, LPS-induced c-Jun NH2 terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation were inhibited by EJE. Intriguingly, EJE also inhibited p65 phosphorylation by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling. Furthermore, the effects of EJE treatment, such as HO-1 induction and the reduction of NF-ĸB activation, were reversed by ERK1/2 inhibition. In an inflammatory pain mouse model, Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical allodynia and foot swelling were alleviated by the oral administration of EJE. Consistent with in vitro results, EJE increased HO-1, while decreasing CFA-induced COX-2, IBA-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Among the components of EJE, butanol most heavily suppressed LPS-induced microglial activation and increased HO-1 expression. These findings indicate that EJE can alleviate inflammatory pain by inhibiting p38 and JNK and by suppressing NF-ĸB via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Extracts from Erythronium japonicum and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki reduce 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol-mediated oxidative stress in human hepatic cells.

In this study, it was demonstrated that 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) induced oxidative stress and cell death in HuH7, human hepatocytes. The protective effects of Erythronium japonicum (E. japonicum) and Corylopsis coreana Uyeki (C. coreana Uyeki) extracts against 1,3-DCP-treated cells were also investigated. First, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were diminished by the treatment of 1,3-DCP. Moreover, 1,3-DCP stimulated the expression and catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), an enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species in the liver. In contrast, co-treatment of 1,3-DCP with the extracts significantly decreased ROS generation and inhibited CYP2E1 activity without affecting its expression. The co-administration of extracts also restored the activities of SOD and CAT reduced by 1,3-DCP and protected against 1,3-DCP-mediated cell death. In conclusion, these results suggest that 1,3-DCP induces oxidative stress through the elevated CYP2E1 level, which is inhibited by the extracts, protecting cells against the effects of 1,3-DCP.

Influence of Temperature, Moisture, and Light Conditions on the Germination of Seeds of <i>Erythronium japonicum</i> Decne

Erythronium japonicum is a representative species of spring ephemeral, forest floor plants in substitution forests in Japan. Seed germination tests were conducted to observe the effects of temperature, light, and moisture content on the germination of E. japonicum. E. japonicum seeds did not germinate at constant temperatures of 5&#176C, 10&#176C, 15&#176C, 20&#176C, or 25&#176C. Seeds germinated at 5&#176C and 10&#176C after storage at 20&#176C for 1 or 2 months. Seed germinability was affected by desiccation to only 40% moisture content. Seeds germinated well in both light and dark conditions. Conditions under the leaf litter layer showed unique characteristics of temperature, light, and moisture content. The temperature was around 20&#176C under the leaf litter layer, even though it was 30&#176C above. The moisture content under the leaf litter layer was higher than that above. The leaf litter blocked out the sunlight. The temperature of 20&#176C necessary for E. japonicum germination occurred below, but not above, the leaf litter layer. The avoidance of decreasing in germinability from reduced seed moisture content in a short time is consistent with the high moisture conditions under the leaf litter layer. The leaf litter layer plays an important role in providing optimal conditions of temperature, light, and moisture content for the germination of E. japonicum seeds.

Erythronium japonicum attenuates histopathological lung abnormalities in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that can induce mucus hypersecretion and pulmonary obstruction and may even cause death, particularly in children and older individuals. Erythronium japonicum (E. japonicum) is a traditional herb used in Korea and East Asian countries that has been found to exert free radical scavenging activity and anti-proliferative effects in human colorectal carcinoma cells. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of an extract of E. japonicum in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with an intraperitoneal injection of OVA and aluminum hydroxide hydrate on days 1 and 8 and then received the following treatments on days 21 to 25: i) control (no treatment), ii) sterilized tap water (given orally), iii) 1 mg/kg/day dexamethasone (administered orally), iv) 60 mg/kg/day E. japonicum extract, and v) 600 mg/kg/day E. japonicum extract. On the same days, all the mice except those in the control group were challenged 1 h later with nebulized 5% OVA for 30 min. We found that treatment with E. japonicum extract suppressed the OVA-induced increase in the number of white blood cells and decreased the IgE level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from the mice. Histopathological analysis of the lung tissues revealed that E. japonicum attenuated the asthma-related morphological changes in the mouse lung tissue, including the increased secretion of mucus in the bronchioles, eosinophil infiltration around the bronchioles and vessels, and goblet cell and epithelial cell hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that treatment with E. japonicum extract suppressed the OVA-induced proliferation of T helper cells (CD4+) and B cells (CD19+) in the mouse lung tissue. Furthermore, treatment with E. japonicum extract modulated the expression of both T helper 2 cell-related factors [GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13], as well as that of T helper 1 cell-related factors [(interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-12p35 and IL-12p40]. These findings suggest that E. japonicum may potentially be used as an anti-asthmatic treatment.

Isolation and identification of an endophytic fungus from Erythronium japonicum Decne and inhibitory effect of secondary metabolites on carcinoma cells

Isolation and identification of an endophytic fungus from Erythronium japonicum Decne and inhibitory effect of secondary metabolites on carcinoma cells

Effects of experimental early canopy closure on the growth and reproduction of spring ephemeral Erythronium japonicum in a montane deciduous forest

Spring leaf flush and changes in the understory radiation in montane deciduous forests are major determinants of the life cycle of spring ephemerals, which complete their epigeous growth before canopy closure in spring. We compared the growth, carbon allocation, and reproduction of a spring ephemeral, Erythronium japonicum (Balrer) Decne., between the ambient (control) and early shade treatments in the field during the flowering (early-May), fruiting (mid- May), and fruit ripening periods (late-May), under the assumption of early spring canopy closure due to climate change. Carbon allocation was investigated using a 13C labelling experiment. Both sterile (non-flowering) and fertile (flowering) E. japonicum under the shade treatment showed higher specific leaf area and earlier leaf senescence than those in the ambient conditions (p < 0.05). The flowering E. japonicum concentrated on biomass allocation to the aboveground vegetative organs prior to fruiting and to reproductive and storage organs from fruiting. E. japonicum used carbohydrates stored during the previous year for vegetative growth, while the current-year photosynthates were used for the current-year reproduction. Carbon allocation to fruit began earlier under the shade treatment, demonstrating that E. japonicum allocated the current-year photosynthates more to reproduction than to vegetative organs under the early shade conditions. However, the seed size (p = 0.012) and germination rate (p = 0.008) were significantly lower under the shade treatment than under the ambient conditions, implying a potential decrease in viable seed production in the shorter high-light period. The earlier leaf flush could be a critical threat to the population maintenance of spring ephemerals such as E. japonicum.

Inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum on the human breast cancer cell metastasis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESIn this study, the inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum extracts on the metastasis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line was determined.MATERIALS/METHODSCells were cultured with DMSO or with 50, 75, 100 or 250 µg/ml of Erythronium japonicum methanol or ethanol extract.RESULTSBoth methanol and ethanol extracts significantly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibited the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The invasion of breast cancer cells was suppressed by Erythronium japonicum extracts in a dose-dependent manner. The motility and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were also inhibited by both methanol and ethanol extracts.CONCLUSIONSOur results collectively indicate that Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibit the growth, adhesion, migration and invasion as well as induce the apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. Clinical application of Erythronium japonicum as a potent chemopreventive agent may be helpful in limiting breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Breaking bud dormancy in Erythronium japonicum Decne. (Liliaceae) by natural and artificial chilling

This study was conducted to investigate flower bud differentiation and to determine the chilling requirements for bud dormancy breaking and sprouting in Erythronium japonicum Decne. (Liliaceae). Dormant bulbs grown in an open field were randomly selected from June 2012 to December 2013 for observation of flower bud differentiation and development. The 3–4 year-old bulbs and > 10 year-old bulbs were used for vegetative bud development and flower bud development, respectively. For natural chilling treatments, the plants were transferred from an experimental field to a growth module every month from September to February. Artificial chilling treatments were applied at 5°C for 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks in October and November. The cumulative chill unit (CCU) of low temperatures below 5°C was calculated. Flower bud initiation and differentiation in E. japonicum were observed in May, and from June to July, respectively, followed by flower bud elongation in August. Sprouting and bud break did not occur throughout the experiment when dormant bulbs were transferred from September (0 CCU) to November (450 CCU). However, all plants sprouted when the dormant bulbs were transferred after January (1,794 CCU). Prolonged cold storage also promoted sprouting of dormant E. japonicum. No cold storage or 4 weeks (672 CCU) of cold storage at 5°C in October did not induce sprouting and bud break. However, when the dormant bulbs were stored at 5°C for 12 weeks (2,061 CCU) in October, percent sprouting increased to 72.7%. Chilling treatment for 8 weeks (1,483 CCU) or 12 weeks (2,155 CCU) at 5°C in November resulted in 72.7 and 100% sprouting, respectively. In conclusion, at least 1,483–1,794 CCU may be recommended for dormancy breaking in the forcing culture of E. japonicum.

Carbohydrate, Lipid Inhibitory Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Several Economic Resource Plants in Vitro

The objective of this study was determined to evaluate α?amylase, α?glucosidase, pancreatic lipase inhibition in vitro and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the several Korean resources plants. The α?amylase inhibitory activity of Salicornia herbacea, Erythronium japonicum (flower) and Phragmites communis (root) in water extract showed relatively high 62.8%, 66.5% and 69.3%, respectively. The α?amylase inhibitory activity of Citrus junos (pericarp) and Cornus officinalis in methanol extract was found to have an effect with 32.8% in Citrus junos (pericarp) and 60.9% in Cornus officinalis. Corylopsis coreana in both water and methanol extract had the highest α?glucosidase inhibitory activity of 81.7% and 89.5%, while the extract of Portulaca oleracea, Ficus carica and Citrus junos was not measured α?glucosidase inhibitory activity at given experiment concentration. Depending on the extraction solvent and the plant species, it was observed that there was a significant difference in α?glucosidase inhibitory activity. The pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity showed relatively higher in the methanol extract than water extract except pericarp of Citrus junos. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of selected plants was much difference between measured plant species, and showed that the increase was proportional to the concentration. These results suggested that selected plants had the potent biological activity on carbohydrate, lipid Inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity, therefore these plant resources could be a good materials to develop medicinal preparations, nutraceuticals or health functional foods for diabetes or obesity.

Assessment on Antioxidant Potential and Enzyme Activity of Some Economic Resource Plants

The antioxidant potential and enzyme activities in Salicornia herbacea, Corylopsis coreana, Erythronium japonicum, Phragmites communis, Momordica Charantia, Nelumbo nucifera, Salvia plebeia, Portulaca oleracea, Ficus carica, Citrus junos and Cornus officinalis were determined. Their antioxidant activities were measured using DPPH radical scavenging and nitrite scavenging activity. Enzyme activities in investigated plants were evaluated as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The DPPH scavenging rate from 100 to 2500 mgL-1 was the highest in the flower of Corylopsis coreana. However, it was not detected in most of the samples at concentration below 100 mgL-1. The nitrite scavenging activity according to each kind of resource plants was significantly higher in the stem of Corylopsis coreana and leaf of Nelumbo nucifera.. The root extract of Erythronium japonicum had the highest SOD enzyme activity of 94.0% while leaf of Salvia plebeia showed the lowest SOD enzyme activity of 30.4%. The activity of CAT and APX showed higher values in the stem of Corylopsis coreana, root of Erythronium japonicum and root of Phragmites communis in comparison with other plants. The activity of POD showed significantly high values in stem of Corylopsis coreana, Momordica Charantia and pericarp of Citrus junos extracts. The antioxidant enzyme activities differ significantly in different plants. In conclusion, we showed that Corylopsis coreana, Erythronium japonicum Cornus officinalis, and Momordica Charantia had the potent biological activities. Therefore, these plant resources showing antioxidant activity could be good materials for development of source of functional healthy food.

주왕산국립공원 내 주산지 유역의 관속식물상 및 관리방안

This study is carried out to survey and analyse the vascular plants distributed around the Jusan Reservoir, Juwangsan national park. The results are as follows. The numbers of vascular plants were 377 taxa; 85 families, 253 genera, 332 species, 3 subspecies, 37 varieties and 5 forma. The endangered plants designated by Ministry of Environment were 2 taxa; Berchemia berchemiaefolia (Makino) Koidz. and Iris odaesanensis Y.N.Lee. The rare plants designated by Korea Forest Service were 6 taxa; Eranthis stellata Maxim., Aristolochia contorta Bunge, Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom., Berchemia berchemiaefolia (Makino) Koidz., Scopolia japonica Maxim. and Iris odaesanensis Y.N.Lee. The endemic plants were 4 taxa; Carpinus laxiflora (Siebold & Zucc.) Blume, Pseudostellaria coreana (Nakai) Ohwi, Philadelphus schrenkii Rupr. and Weigela subsessilis (Nakai) L.H.Bailey. The specific plants by floristic region were 38 taxa; Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Salix chaenomeloides Kimura, Hylomecon vernalis Maxim., Lonicera praeflorens Batalin, Erythronium japonicum (Baker) Decne., Potentilla dickinsii Franch. & Sav., Celtis aurantiaca Nakai, Anemone reflexa Steph. & Willd., Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. and so forth. The naturalized plants were 20 taxa; Fallopia dumetorum (L.) Holub, Chenopoidum album L., Lepidium apetalum Willd., Veronica persica Poir., Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Taraxacum officinale Weber and so forth.

만병초 자생지의 환경생태학적 특성

Rhododendron brachycarpum is a evergreen broad-leaved shrub and belongs to the Ericaceae family and the Rhododendron genus. It is well known for its beautiful leaves and flowers. There are 11 species of the Rhododendron genus in Korea. It includes 3 species - Rhododendron brachycarpum, Rhododendron aureum Georgi and Rhododendron brachycarpum var. roseum Koidz. They grow naturally over 1,000 meters above sea level of the Baekdu Mountain Range in Korea. These habitats, according to investigations of 9 Rhododendron brachycarpum natural habitats, are mostly located on the slope of mountains facing north at an altitude of 1,200 m to 1,526 m above sea level with angle of inclination from 30 degrees to 45 degrees. Based on the result of vegetation analysis of dominance species in the quadrates, there are Quercus aliena, Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb, Abies holophylla in species of upper trees, and so on. Dominant species of woody plants in tree layer are Quercus aliena, Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb, Abies holophylla, Betula platyphylla and Veeatrum patulum Loes. fil, Erythronium japonicum, Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Paeonia japonica var. glabra Makino are founded in herbaceous plants. And we can see another result of the investigation that the flowering rates of the plants with the buds are highly ranked mountains such as Mt. Hambaek 68%, Mt. Gyebang 40%, Mt. Yagksu 9%, Mt. Gaein 7% and Mt. Seolag 0%. The results show that there are 24 over 15-year-old Rhododendron brachycarpums in Mt. Odae and are 56 under 15-year-old trees in Mt. Hambaek and are no trees in Mt. Gyebang and are 9 over 30-year-dead trees only in Mt. Taebaeg. Out of found trees, the highest tree is 7 m in height and 0.6 m in diameter. Also this result shows what are the vulnerability factors of the natural habitats. They are as follows: indiscriminate trails in mountains, damages by mountain climbers, uncareful plant collecting, the fierce competitions with other plants such as Acer pseudosieboldianum var. ishidoyanum Uyeki, Quercus aliena, Celastrus orbiculatus and damages by disease and insect, unusual temperature in natural habitats, etc. Rhododendron brachycarpums have high ornamental value and excellent pharmaceutical effect. But the areas of its habitats decrease dramatically. So we need measures to protect and their natural habitats. It is necessary that we conduct further investigations to designate conservation area for Rhododendron brachycarpums.

Responses of an herbaceous community to wild boar (Sus scrofa coreanus Heude) disturbance in a Quercus mongolica forest at Mt. Jeombong, Korea

This research identified a disturbance regime caused by wild boar in a mature Quercus mongolica forest and analyzed the impact of this disturbance on the structure and distribution of herbaceous plants in Mt. Jeombong, Korea. We demonstrate that disturbance by wild boar was most frequent from winter to early spring, but also occurred year round. Areas which were frequently disturbed by wild boar included the mountain ridge, the mild slope on the north face, and sites with high concentration of Erythronium japonicum. The disturbance cycle by the wild boar in this region was estimated at approximately 2.8 years. The wild boar's reduced the community's species diversity and herbaceous coverage, and increased its evenness. This disturbance reduced the coverage of spring ephemeral; Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense, Symplocarpus niponnicus, Anemone koraiensis and Corydalis turtschaninovii were particularly sensitive. In addition, summer green herbaceous plants such as Astilbe chinensis, Ainsliaea acerifolia, Meehania urticifolia, and Pimpinella brachycarpa were sensitive to the wild boar's. It was found that wild boar ate E. japonicum most selectively of all plants in this investigation area. In conclusion, together with micro-topography, wind, formation of gaps of a forest and rearrangement of litter layer, wild boar's disturbance is an important factor influencing the dynamic changes of an herbaceous community in a mature temperate hardwood forest.

계룡산국립공원의 관속식물상

The vascular plants in the Gyeryongsan National Park were listed 227 taxa; 71 families, 148 genera, 196 species, 1 subspecies, 26 varieties and 4 forms, Among them, trees and herbs were 103 taxa (45.4%), 124 taxa (54.6%), respectively. The rare plants were identified 6 taxa such as Paeonia obovata (Legal protection species), Viola albida, Acanthopanax chiisanensis, Lilium distichum, Lilium callosum and Goodyera schlechtendaliana by the Korea Forest Service. Based on the list of Korean endemic plants, 8 taxa were recorded; Cephalotaxus koreana, Pseudostellaria multiflora, Thalictrum uchiyamai, Indigofera koreana, Acanthopanax chiisanensis, Asperula lasiantha, Weigela subsessilis and Carex okamotoi. Based on the list of approved for delivering overseas of plants, 6 taxa were recorded; Viola albida, Acanthopanax chiisanensis, Asperula lasiantha, Carex okamotoi, Lilium distichum and Lilium callosum. Specific plant species by floral region were total 21 taxa (9.3%); Paeonia obovata in class V, 5 taxa (Betula davurica, Acer palmatum, Asperula lasiantha, Lonicera subhispida, Phaenosperma globosa) in class III, 4 taxa (Viola orientalis, Acanthopanax chiisanensis, Ostericum melanotilingia, Lilium distichum) in class II and 11 taxa (Cephalotaxus koreana, Betula schmidtii, Quercus variabilis, Aphananthe aspera, Ilex macropoda, Meliosma oldhamii, Tilia amurensis, Lilium callosum, Erythronium japonicum, Polygonatum inflatum, Hosta capitata) in class I. It is important that relationship between national and local government will be needed for preservation of natural environment of Gyeryongsan National Park. As well, a long time of monitering and systematical management counterplan will be required.

落葉広葉樹林の林床へのエゾエンゴサク種子の播種または塊茎の移植

Large and aesthetic populations of native plant species such as Erythronium japonicum, Corydalis ambigua, Gagea lutea, Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii, and Trillium camschatcense impart a beautiful color to the floors of broad-leaved deciduous forests in Hokkaido, Japan. In this study, we revealed that the effects of seed sowing, tuber age, and transplanting depth of tubers in Corydalis ambigua on the germination and growth of tubers in the following year. In May, immediately after the seed collection, seeds were sown both in pots in the flame house and in the deciduous forest floor. Pots were watered adequately and the soil surface in the forest floor was well prepared. In the following spring, 66% of the seeds germinated in pots and 36% - 45% of the seeds germinated in the forest floor. Both the 1-year-old tubers and the 2-year-old tubers were transplanted at a depth of 2 cm or 8 cm in the autumn immediately after the root emerging from tubers, and then more than 89% of both tubers that were transplanted at a depth of 2 cm or 8 cm sprouted leaves in the following spring.Tubers transplanted at a depth of 8 cm tended to grow more than tubers transplanted at a depth of 2 cm. Dry weight of 1-year-old tubers that experienced one growing season increased by 3 - 7 times to their initial dry weight,and by 3 - 5 times in the 2-year-old tubers. About 50% of the 2-year-old tubers transplanted in autumn flowered in the following spring and have average of about 3 flowers. However no 1-year-old tuber flowered in the next year.