The study of vascular plants distribution and characteristics of plant as resources in middle and northern region of Yangsan-si (Gyeongnam)

The flora of resource plants in Middle and Northern region of Yangsan-si were investigated for 7 times from March to Sept., 2009. The study indicated that, based on voucher specimens, the flora of this area consist of 427 taxa in total; 90 families, 256 genera, 376 species, 4 subspecies, 41 varieties and 6 forms. The resource plants in this area were categorized by their use into 9 groups inclusive of 1 unidentified group. Resources plants which were investigated in this area were 167 edible, 132 pasturing, 118 medicinal, 98 stainable, 52 ornamental, 15 timber, 6 fiber, 2 industrial taxa and 101 unknown resource plants, respectively. Also, there were remarkable plants such as 16 taxa of Korean endemic plants and 36 taxa of specific plants which were designated by the Ministry of Environment. Furthermore, 22 taxa of naturalized plants were observed in this investigated area where Urban Indexn UI) was 8.9%. Although the ecological status of investigated area was comparatively well conserved, the degree of (UI) was relatively high. Based on the results of this investigation, UI has been rapidly increased due to urbanization and construction of recreation objects in this area.