A Study on the Synecological Values of the Torreya nucifera Forest (Natural Monument No. 374) at Pyeongdae-ri in Jeju Island

Abstract

The natural monument forests (no.374) located at Pyeongdae-ri in Jeju island are described and classified by using phytosociological methods and numerical analysis. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ecological character of Torreya nucifera forests between natural habitat and artificial habitat, as well as their spatial and phytogeographical distribution in the Korea. The comparison of forests between Pyeongdae-ri and other regions was analyzed by using a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) and hierarchical clustering.On the basis of the 12 phytosociological relevés, the vegetation of T. nucifera dominant forest in Jeju island was arranged in one syntaxon (Alangium platanifolium-Torreya nucifera community included typicum and one subcommunity) within Camellietea. The community of T. nucifera dominant forests were characterized floristically and ecologically. We discussed diagnostic species with references, and proposed a few important diagnostic species (Ilex crenata for. microphylla, Acer palmatum, Zingiber mioga, Mercurialis leiocarpa, Osmorhiza aristata, Mecodium wrightii etc.) to explain condition of the habitat and synecological character. The communities were described by concerning their edaphical and syndynamical niche; we discussed their total distribution in Korea. In most forests they are widespread in Korean peninsular and their distribution is primarily determined by artificial plantation and periodical management. The forests consisted of T. nucifera have developed from natural environment element and artificial management. As a result they have very unique characters with the floristic, structural characterization and distribution. Furthermore, we identified that they need to apposite management for sustainability. 8)

Spatial distribution patterns of old-growth forest of dioecious tree Torreya nucifera in rocky Gotjawal terrain of Jeju Island, South Korea

“…Torreya Forest terrain is defined as GujwaSeongsan Gotjawal, a transition lava zone distributing both pahoehoe and aa lava flows (Jeon et al 2012). Although T. nucifera is a domonant species in this forest, the Forest consists of diverse evergreen trees with a total of 276 plant taxa, including Mallotus japonicus, Machilus thunbergii, Orixa japonica, and Polystichum tripteron [Korea Tree Health Association (KTHA) 1999; Lee 2009;Shin et al 2010;Choi and Lee 2015]. Figure 2 demonstrates characteristic features of wild Torreya Forest.…”

“…Gotjawal terrain where Torreya Forest exists is a unique volcanic area with lava blocks scattered extremely disorderly (Jeon et al 2012). Thus, Gotjawal terrain with severe topographic heterogeneity generates highly diverse microclimate (Choi and Lee 2015). Furthermore, Gotjawal terrain represents poor soil development and oligotrophic and stressful environment to plants.…”

Vegetation structure and distribution characteristics of Symplocos prunifolia, a rare evergreen broad-leaved tree in Korea

“…Studies of S. prunifolia were undertaken on several occasions during field surveys on Jeju Island and were conducted by universities and arboretums (KBIS 2020; NIBR 2020). In addition, comparative studies of warm temperate zones in Korea and the western regions of Japan found that this species is distributed in two regions that have a high plant geography connection Itow 1996, Choi andLee 2015). Kim and Itow (1996) defined S. prunifolia trees as well as Michelia compressa, Myrica rubra, and Marsdenia tomentosa as the phytogeographic link between the two regions.…”