Population of Horned Hollies in Docheong-ri, Buan

The horned holly (Ilex cornuta) belongs to the holly family and is an evergreen tree whose northern limit is the Byeonsan Peninsula. It grows mainly along the southern coast of South Jeolla Province and the western coast of Jeju. Its leaves end in spine-like points said to be useful for scratching a tiger's back, which is the origin of its Korean name; it is also called horangi-gasinamu or myoajanamu. Its berries ripen red in September and October and keep their red colour even under snow in winter, making it an excellent ornamental tree that is also widely used in Christmas decorations. The population of horned hollies in Docheong-ri, Buan grows in loose clusters of some fifty trees on the hills along the southern coast of Docheong-ri. The trees stand about 2-3m tall. According to tradition, on the first day of the second lunar month a branch of horned holly was cut and hung by the door together with a fish, to keep evil spirits from entering the house. This population marks the northern limit at which the horned holly can grow naturally, giving it high value for the study of plant distribution, and it is accordingly designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Buan, Jeonbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물