Introduction
Research Methods
Definition of terms
A protected tree
Acculturation
Subjects and scope
Survey and analysis methods
Results and Discussion
Acculturation of Sophora japonica and Zelkova serrata
Status of designated Goemok trees based on the status of protected trees
Status of the designation and distribution of protected trees
(1) Sophora japonica
(2) Zelkova serrata
Regions of remained protected Sophora japonica and Zelkova serrata trees
Comparison of the age and size of Sophora japonica and Zelkova serrata trees
Conclusion
A total of 5 cases (1.12%) of Sophora japonica trees were designated as a natural monument and a total of 19 cases (4.27%) of Zelkova serrata trees were designated as a natural monument. Except 1 Sophora japonica case and 3 Zelkova serrata cases, all the rest cases designated a single tree as a protected tree. The ratio of Zelkova serrata trees to Sophora japonica trees designated as a protected tree was 53.3: 2.7, showing that the share of Zelkova serrata trees was relatively very high, which can be mainly attributed to the possibility that it can grow into an old big tree, environmental adaptability and availability.
Out of 7,281 Zelkova serrata trees designated as a protected tree, the number of Zelkova serrata trees found in Jeonnam was the highest (2,147 trees, 29.4%), followed by Chungnam (16.5%) and Gyeongbuk (14.4%). Except one natural monument in Jeju, there was no Zelkova serrata tree designated as a protected tree. This tendency seems to be related to the fact that Zelkova serrata trees are highly likely to survive as an old big tree in most regions except Jeju.
Out of 321 Sophora japonica trees, a total of 210 Sophora japonica trees survived in Gyeongbuk and Daegue (55.7%), which is a very high survival rate. In particular, in Andong, Gyeongbuk called the capital of Korea’s moral culture, 11 Sophora japonica trees were designated as a protected tree, which is an interesting finding.
The overwhelmingly high survival rate of old big Sophora japonica trees in the Yeongnam region where Confucianism was actively practiced compared to that of Zelkova serrata trees is not a coincidence, and it is also difficult to interpret the result based on its flora only.
The age of protected Sophora japonica and Zelkova serrata trees was compared and the average age of Zelkova serrata trees was 298, lower than that of Sophora japonica trees (302). Its average height was 18 m. taller than that of Sophora japonica trees (16 m), and its average diameter at breast height (398 cm) was also longer than that of Sophora japonica trees (314 cm), showing that Zelkova serrata trees were relatively bigger. Based on these results, therefore, it can be assumed that the growth potential of Zelkova serrata trees is higher than that of Sophora japonica trees, and that its potential to grow into an big tree is higher, but the explanation that Zelkova serrata trees can live long as an old tree is not completely valid.