• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.176-190
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• 2017

South Korea is the northernmost distributional territory on the Camellietea japonicae (evergreen broad-leaved forests of the warm-temperate zone) in East Asia. A total of 40 stands were collected in terms of an ecologically-naturalized wild tea population (WTP), and their species composition was analyzed by $Z{\ddot{u}}rich$-Montpellier School's method with preliminary regard to forest canopy idendtification. Stand types were characterized by ecological flora's criteria such as Raunkiaer's life-form, neophyte, zonal distribution, and nativeness of species. Expansion of WTP distribution into the interior of the peninsula was recognized, than expected. The highest and northernmost WTPs have been recorded at Mt. Palgong, Daegu (390 m a.s.l.) and Iksan Jeonbuk (latitude $36^{\circ}$ 03' 33''), respectively. Altitudinal and latitudinal WTP distribution of Korea under continental climate shows lower than Japanese situation under oceanic climate. Community structure generally involved a few human interferences. Syngeographically WTP distribution was limited on the warm-temperate zone and the southernmost cool-temperate southern submontane zone. First driving force on distributional expansion of the WTP was anthropogenic, particularly in the northernmost distribution area. We finally confirmed an actual existence of the WTP in South Korea and suggested a long-term monitoring on the WTPs in national view of in-situ genetic resources with higher frost-resistance.