Distributional status and evaluation of species traits a Korean endemic plant of Zabelia tyaihyonii (Nakai) Hisauti and Hara (Caprifoliaceae)

Abstract

Zabelia tyaihyonii has limited distribution in the middle of the Korean Peninsula. The distribution of Z. tyaihyonii with respect to its status of distribution, habitat types, vegetational environments, flowering characteristics and productivity of seed, and physical properties of soil was evaluated. Z. tyaihyonii was found to be distributed in the open grassland, shrubland with a low density, and in understory vegetation with a sparse crown density of the limestone area. The number of flowerings and seedlings of Z. tyaihyonii tended to increase towards an open space without an overstory, whereas the seed setting rate and weight were greater towards a space with a thinly closed overstory. Thus, the most stable performance was found in regions delicately covered with vegetation. Z. tyaihyonii showed a high rate of coverage under a shallow soil condition, according to natural layering. These findings collectively suggest that while Z. tyaihyonii shows a high performance in regions covered with a thinly closed overstory, populations across all habitats need conservation, including the one found in the grassland of the limestone area where re-establishment occurs. The re-establishment and extension of the distribution caused by seed dispersion from existing distribution areas suggest that maintaining a healthy ecosystem is critical for Z. tyaihyonii.

Keywords

• Conservation
• Limestone plant
• Phenology
• Speciation