Mass Discovery of Endangered 'Eureumnancho' on Anmyeondo Island

A panoramic photo of the native habitat of Eureumnancho discovered in Taean Anmyeondo Natural Recreation Forest. Source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The endangered species Eurumnancho has been found in large numbers on Anmyeondo Island.

The Taean Office of the Chungnam Provincial Forest Resources Research Institute announced on the 25th that it discovered 12 shoots of 'Eurumnancho' on the outskirts of the Taean Anmyeondo Natural Recreation Forest and is currently protecting and managing them.

Eurumnancho is classified as a 'Class II Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora' by the Ministry of Environment and is also listed as 'Vulnerable (VU)' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) National Red List of plants.

In South Korea, it is known to grow naturally in fewer than 10 locations, including Taean, Boseong and Yeongam in Jeollanam-do, Jinan in Jeollabuk-do, and Jeju Island, with very small populations.

Among these, the Taean area has been known to have 1 to 2 shoots of Eurumnancho growing near lodging facilities within the Anmyeondo Natural Recreation Forest. This is the first time that many Eurumnancho plants have been found in one place, and the Taean Office is currently protecting the habitat by installing wooden fences around the natural growing area.

An Gyu-won, head of the Taean Office, said, "This is the first time that more than 10 shoots of Eurumnancho have been found in a group at the Anmyeondo Natural Recreation Forest," adding, "Since the Eurumnancho habitat holds significant phytogeographical importance, the Taean Office will do its utmost to ensure the habitat is fully preserved and managed."

Meanwhile, Eurumnancho, which parasitizes decayed mycelium in the forest, is a perennial herb of the Orchidaceae family in the order Orchidales of monocotyledons, also known as Gaechunma. It grows up to 100 cm tall, with many branches emerging from the stem tip, and has triangular leaves that resemble small scale-like pieces.

The yellowish-brown flowers bloom in clusters of several at the ends of branches from June to July. The fruit, similar in shape to Eurum, is red and measures 6 to 8 cm in size.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.