Trifoliate Orange of Sagi-ri, Ganghwa

The trifoliate orange is mainly found in the Yeongnam and Honam regions, and also grows in Japan and China. The trees found in Korea and Japan are believed to have been introduced from China. Its fruit and bark are used as medicinal ingredients, and because its stems bear thorns, it is well suited for use as an orchard hedge. The trifoliate orange of Sagi-ri, Ganghwa, is estimated to be about 400 years old, with a height of 4.7 m and a girth of 2.2 m at the base of its roots. Ganghwado Island was a place where Emperor Gojong of Goryeo (r. 1213–1259) sheltered from the Mongol invasions, and King Injo of Joseon (r. 1623–1649) also fled here during the Jeongmyo War of 1627, a Manchu invasion of Korea. At that time, to keep out foreign enemies, a fortress wall was built on Ganghwado Island, and trifoliate orange trees were planted outside the wall so that enemies could not easily approach. This tree is presumed to be a survivor of those trees planted at that time. The trifoliate orange of Sagi-ri, Ganghwa, is historically significant as a relic of our ancestors' national defence, planted in preparation against foreign invasion, and because it stands on Ganghwado Island, the northernmost limit at which the species can grow, it has been designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ganghwa, Incheon

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물