Elatostema laetevirens Makino (Urticaceae): An Unrecorded Species in Korea

We report an unrecorded plant species, Elatostema laetevirens Makino (Urticaceae), in Korea. This species was collected for the first time from under the canopy of an evergreen forest in Hyodoncheon, Sanghyo- dong, Soeguipo-si and Tamra valley in Ohdeung-dong, Cheju-si of the Province of Cheju in Korea. E. laetevirens Makino was quite distinct from others of the genus Elatostema in Korea owing to its perennial nature, the absence of trichomes in the stem and the absence of peduncles during the inflorescence period. This species was given the Korean name 'pu-reun-mong-ul-pul' based on the absence of luster and the bluish green color on the adaxial surface of its leaves.