Population of Machilus in Gyeokpo-ri, BuaThe flower of Machilus blooming in Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun.
Population of Machilus in Gyeokpo-ri, BuanA grove of Machiluin Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun.
Panoramic View of the Population of Machilus in Gyeokpo-ri, BuanThere is population of Machilu along Jeokbyeokgang Cliff situated at the westernmost point on the western coast.
A population of machilus trees located in Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do.
Summary
The machilus tree generally grows in warm regions such as Jeju and Ulleungdo Islands, but it can now be seen in the Byeonsan Peninsula as its distribution area has moved north. The Byeonsan Peninsula is the northern limit line where the machilus grows naturally. In recognition of value in terms of plant distribution, the Population of Machilus in Gyeokpo-ri, Buan was designated as Natural Monument No. 123 on December 3, 1962.
Biological Characteristics
The machilus is an evergreen broad-leaved tree of the Lauraceae family. It can reach a height of 20 m and has a diameter of 1 m at the base. While its long oval leaves are thick and glossy, pinnately compound leaves are alternatively borne along the stems. The leaves measure 8 to 15 cm in length and 4 to 7 cm in width, and are located 2 to 3 cm from the end of the stems. Their leathery leaves are green on the front face and grey-green on the rear; the edges of the leaves are not saw-toothed, and neither side has any hair. The flowers are bisexual and yellowish green, and bloom in May to June. The perianth lobes are 6 in 2 series with 3 lobes, fertile stamens 12 in 3 series with 4 tightly located in lobes, and 3 of them have no anthers, and there is one pistil. Its fruits are bacciferous, and measure about 1.4 cm in diameter. The tree bears black purple fruits from July to September.
Natural Environment
The machilus is the most sensitive tree to climate change. According to the Study on Changes in the Korean Peninsula’s Biological Species Caused by Climate Change (ranging from 1941 to 2000) announced by the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) of the Ministry of Environment on December 23, 2009, the northern limit line of the habitat of machilus has gradually extended from the areas between Eocheongdo Island and Byeonsan (Daecheongdo Island, Byeonsan, Yeongam, and Jukdo Island) in Jeollabuk-do to the Deokjeok Archipelago of Incheon City. The Northern limit, including Daecheongdo Island ~Byeonsan ~ Youngam ~ Jeokdo Island, was first identified during an investigation of 64 species of evergreen broad-leaved trees in the warm temperate zone conducted by the Japanese scholar Ueki in 1941. The National Institute of Biological Resources investigated 48 species of machilus, excluding 16 species which grow only in Jeju Island or which were planted for decorative purposes. Based on the results, the Institute revealed that its range of habitat has moved from 14 to 74 km (depending on the species) further north, and identified the 2009 northern limit line as Baengnyeongdo Island ~ Cheongyang ~ Jeongup ~ Pohang. Based on the latitude, the line stretches from 14 km (Daecheongdo Island ~ Baengnyeongdo Island) up to 74 km (Yeongam ~ Jeongup) towards the north.
Matters related to Historical / Lifestyle and Folklore
The machilus or hubak namu (the Korean word “hubakhada” means “to be compassionate, generous, and honest”) is unknown for the origin of its Korean name. It is truly a generously giving tree because it is effectively used as a medicinal ingredient, lumber, and dyeing material. In traditional Korean medicine, its bark (hubak pi) is used as a medicinal ingredient for stomach disorders. According to the encyclopedic Dongui bogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine), it is effective in improving the digestion and in relieving diarrhea, dysentery, and nausea. In addition, its bark contains tannin which is used for dyeing fabric or fishing nets, while its hard, dense wood is used as a material in the production of musical instruments, sculptures, and ships.
Current Status
The Population of Machilus in Gyeokpo-ri, Buan is located on the coastal cliff of the Jeokbyeokgang River, at the most westward tip of the Byeonsan Peninsula. 16 machilus trees grow in the designated area (1,532m2) on a 200-meter-long stretch of coastline extending from the village of Jukmak towards Suseongdang Hall in Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun. The trees range from 6 to 10 meters tall, and serve as a windbreak.
