Spindle Tree of Dokdo Island

The spindle tree is an evergreen broadleaf shrub of the Celastraceae (bittersweet) family, found in China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and the areas south of Hwanghae Province and Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in Korea. It is highly resistant to sea winds and salinity, as well as to shade and pollution, and is planted throughout the country. The spindle tree of Dokdo Island is the oldest tree currently surviving on the island. Beyond being a representative species capable of growing in Dokdo's conditions, it holds great territorial and symbolic value for having guarded Dokdo, the easternmost point of Korea's territory, for over 100 years. For this reason it has been designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ulleung, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물