Parasitic Plant 'Yago' Colony Discovered in Dadohae Special Protection Area

A Representative Plant Parasitizing Mung Beans Without Leaves and Roots

New Colony Discovered in a Specially Protected Area with Restricted Access

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The West Office of Dadohaehaesang National Park, operated by the Korea National Park Service (Director Lee Cheongyu), announced on the 29th that it has discovered a colony of Yago (scientific name: Aeginetia indica), a representative parasitic plant of Korea, through ecosystem monitoring in the island areas of Dadohaehaesang.

The Yago colony discovered in this survey was located in a dense silver grass forest, making it difficult to find, and has been designated as a special protection zone where human access is restricted for a certain period to protect the ecosystem and landscape.

Yago is also called ‘Dambaedaedeobeosal-i’ (meaning ‘tobacco stem parasite’) because it resembles a tobacco pipe in shape. It is a primitive parasitic plant that lacks leaves, roots, and chlorophyll, so it cannot perform photosynthesis and depends on host plants for necessary nutrients.

It blooms pink flowers from its stem around mid-September. Due to its unique form and beauty, it is at high risk of overharvesting and is extremely rare, inhabiting only some island areas in the southern regions.

As a rare plant with a high need for genetic resources to be used for propagation and restoration to secure biodiversity in island ecosystems, the discovery of this new colony is even more valuable.

Oh Changyoung, Head of Marine Resources at the West Office of Dadohaehaesang National Park, said, “The discovery of Yago, a native plant with few individuals, will greatly help secure biodiversity,” and added, “We will collect genetic resources and establish systematic management plans such as restoring native habitats and conserving habitats.”

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