Floristic study of the bryophytes of an evergreen broad-leaved forest in the vicinity of Baekyaki Oreum in Gujwa-Seongsan Gotjawal, Jejudo Island

Abstract

This study presents a survey of the bryophytes of evergreen broad-leaved forest near Baekyaki Oreum in Gujwa-Seongsan Gotjawal in the eastern part of Jejudo Island, Korea. A total of 53 taxa belonging to Bryophyta (11 families 26 genera 39 species) and Marchantiophyta (9 families, 9 genera 14 species) were determined, and the liverwort index was found to be 26.4%. The predominant life-form was the mat type. The rates of bryophytes dominating at mesic to hygric sites were higher than those of bryophytes, which were mainly observed in xeric habitats. These values indicate that the forest areas in this study area have a high density level. Upon an investigation of the substrates, bryophytes on rocks were most diverse. It was also found that volcanic rock masses of various sizes lay scattered over the study area and offer numerous micro-habitats for bryophytes. This is related to the characteristics of Gotjawal. We consider that more detailed studies should be conducted on regional scales to establish the bryophyte flora of Gotjawal and the evergreen broad-leaved forests of Jejudo Island.