Baekdudaegan Arboretum Publishes Seed Data Collection of Central Asian Wild Plants

The Baekdudaegan National Arboretum announced on the 20th that it has published the "2024 Central Asia Wild Plant Seed Data Book." This data book is the second record published for the conservation of species diversity in Central Asia.

Cover of the Central Asia Data Collection. Provided by the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum

Last year, the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum conducted seed collection activities in three Central Asian countries: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. As a result, it published a data book containing the collection history, germination characteristics, and images of a total of 38 species, presenting possibilities for seed conservation and utilization.

Central Asia and Korea are considered regions where plant species migration and differentiation have actively occurred along the east-west axis of the Eurasian continent.

In particular, through the Ice Age and interglacial periods, Central Asia and Korea have shown similar genetic characteristics in plant species, with many cases indicating a close phylogenetic relationship.

Han Chang-sul, director of the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum, said, “The collection of plant seeds across Central Asia provides important implications for the study of native plants on the Korean Peninsula,” adding, “We will strive to ensure that seed collection and research can serve as a starting point to strengthen the foundation of international cooperation.”