The Ecological Characteristics of Native Habitat of Korean Native Wando Holly(Ilex？wandoensis)

Abstract

This study was conducted to analysis the ecological characteristics of "Wando Holly"(Ilex × wandoensis) which is expecting as a possible ornamental tree with its beautiful leaves, flowers and fruits, and to find special breeding material which have particular characteristics and also provide correct environmental information which are required for commercial cultivation. The hill of Galmoon-Ri, Gunoei-Myon, Jeonnam Province, Korea, were reported as a original habitat of native Ilex × wandoensis. The investigation shows that soil pH of native habitat was 6.18, hardness was 2.39, humidity was 38.6%, direction of slope is SSW, and average inclination was 15°. The vegetation around I. × wandoensis is occupied by trees like an Quercus variabilis, Q. serrata, Q. acuta and so on. These are mixed forest of deciduous trees. Tree height reached up to about 12m and its coverage is about 30%. Q. salicina, Camellia japonica, I. integra, Cryptomeria japonica account for sub-tree layer. Tree height is around 8m and coverage is about 20%. Shrub layer was taken by Viburnum furcatum, Callicarpa japonica, Styrax japonica, Eurya japonica, Lindera obtusiloba, Ligustrum japonicum, Smilax china, Cornus walteri etc. Tree height reaches around 1.2m and coverage is around 20%. Herb layer includes Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium, Cymbidium goeringii, Dryopteris bissetiana, Disporum viridescens, Disporum smilacinum, Sasa borealis var. gracilis etc. Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium, which are observed in southern evergreen zone, are dominant and its coverage is around 20%. The native habitat was in spoiled condition because of artificial thin out.