Natural Habitat of Camphor Trees in Dosun-ri, Jeju

The camphor tree is an evergreen tree found in Jeju Island, Japan, Taiwan and China. Its young branches are yellow-green and glossy, and its leaves, 6–10cm long, grow alternately along the branches. The young leaves have a reddish tint, so from spring to summer the whole tree takes on a distinctive reddish hue. It flowers in May, the blossoms white at first before turning yellow. The fruit ripens black around October, and the whole tree gives off a fragrance. The natural habitat of camphor trees in Dosun-ri lies on a steep slope beside a stream about 2km from Dosun-dong, Jeju. The land above the slope is flat and treeless, so these trees mark the boundary between the stream and the fields beyond. According to tradition, laying camphor branches and leaves beneath a sick person's bedding and burning them would cure the illness, and it was also said that planting this tree at home could keep evil spirits from entering. The Natural Habitat of Camphor Trees in Dosun-ri, Jeju is a stand of trees that our ancestors used as medicine to treat the sick, giving it great biological research value as well as great cultural value in offering a glimpse of the life of our ancestors; it has accordingly been designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Seogwipo, Jeju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물