Natural Habitat of Spleenworts on Samdo Island, Jeju

Because the spleenwort is a subtropical fern, in Korea it grows naturally only here on Samdo Island. Its long, broad fronds emerge in clusters from the rhizome, forming a rounded shape like a large trumpet, which gives it high ornamental value; nurseries commonly sell specimens imported from abroad for this purpose. The fronds have short stalks and are large — 40 to 120 cm long and 7 to 12 cm wide — with unbroken, entire margins, and are evergreen. The natural habitat of spleenworts lies on Samdo, also known as "Seopseom", a small island about 0.45 km south of the Seogwipo coast. At one time indiscriminate collection brought the spleenwort to the brink of extinction, and it is now being restored through artificial planting. The natural habitat of spleenworts on Samdo Island, Jeju, is valued as the northernmost limit at which the spleenwort can grow naturally, and for its rarity, and is accordingly designated and protected as a Natural Monument. To protect the habitat, the site is currently designated a restricted access area, and entry for management or academic purposes requires the permission of the Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service.

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Where it is

Region

Seogwipo, Jeju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물