Population of Sangaenari in Deokcheon-ri, Imsil

Sangaenari is a low shrub without a clearly defined trunk, growing 1–2 m tall. Young branches are purplish and hairless, turning greyish-brown after about two years. The leaves are broad and large, 2–6 cm, green and hairless on the upper surface but pale green with fine hairs beneath. The flowers are pale yellow and bloom in March and April, before the leaves appear. This population numbered about 230 trees at the time of designation but has since increased considerably, to around 600 individuals. Sangaenari has grown mainly on Bukhansan Mountain, Gwanaksan Mountain, and Hwasan in Suwon, but so few individuals now remain that it has become difficult to find. Although Deokcheon-ri in Imsil County lies in the southern part of the country, sangaenari, which is otherwise distributed across Korea's central and northern regions, grows wild here naturally, apparently because the local climate resembles that of the central region. The Population of Sangaenari in Deokcheon-ri, Imsil marks the southern limit within which sangaenari can grow in Korea and is of high academic value; it is designated and protected as a natural monument to conserve this endangered species.

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Where it is

Region

Imsil, Jeonbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물