Jindo-gun Explores Conservation Measures for Rare Plant 'Jaran' Genetic Resources

Published 08 Mar.2024 14:40(KST)

"Enjoy Only with Eyes That Bloom in May"

Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do, has begun efforts to identify the natural habitats of the rare plant ‘Jaran,’ which is gradually disappearing due to loss of its growing areas, and to establish local and external conservation measures for its genetic resources.

‘Jaran’ is a perennial herb belonging to the orchid family, naturally growing along the coastal areas of Jindo, Wando, and Haenam. It was recorded that there is a colony of about 100,000 pyeong on the northwest coast of Jindo, but the number of individuals is rapidly decreasing due to indiscriminate harvesting and reduction of its growing areas.

Rare orchid species Jaran [Photo by Jindo-gun]

According to the county on the 8th, last month, ecologist Kim Se-jin, researcher Kwak Anna from the Agricultural Technology Center, and staff from the Forest Recreation Division conducted on-site surveys at two natural habitats of Jaran in Nari Village and Dunjeon Village in Gunnae-myeon to confirm the habitats and explore local and external conservation measures for the genetic resources, investigating the possibility of genetic cultivation.

The county is considering ways to cultivate and industrialize the genetic resources of the native Jaran at the Agricultural Technology Center to preserve and expand the species.

Ecologist Kim Se-jin emphasized, “Since easily distributed horticultural varieties dominate the market, it is necessary to preserve the native species,” and added, “To conserve the natural habitats, intensive forest management to secure growing spaces for Jaran is essential.”

A county official stated, “We are striving to preserve and propagate the rare plant Jaran to make Jindo the representative island of Jaran on the southwest coast,” and urged, “We hope that the Jaran, which will bloom in May, will continue to grow well and be appreciated only with the eyes.”