Population of Box-leaved Hollies in Junggye-ri, Buan

Box-leaved hollies are found on the Byeonsan Peninsula, Geojedo Island, Bogildo Island and Jeju Island in Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province; the name comes from the crackling "kkwang-kkwang" sound the leaves make when burned. The tree is used for ornamental purposes such as garden planting, hedging and bonsai. The population of box-leaved hollies in Junggye-ri, Buan, occupies a relatively flat area high on the mountainside. Earlier records describe some 700-odd trees forming a large stand here, but their number has since fallen sharply, leaving only around 200 trees today. The site is also known as Jamdu ("silkworm head"), and in traditional geomancy it is considered an auspicious spot. The population is of high value for plant-distribution studies, as it lies at the northernmost limit of the range in which box-leaved hollies can grow. It is also valued because the trees here grow on bare rock, forming a xerophytic plant community that thrives even in dry conditions, and it is therefore designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Buan, Jeonbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물