If I have to choose trees that we must truly know, I would count the Abeliophyllum distichum, commonly known as the ‘white forsythia’, among the top five. It is a plant endemic to Korea. An endemic plant means a plant that grows nowhere else on Earth but, in this case, the Korean Peninsula. Further, the white forsythia belongs to a monotypic genus. This means that it is the only species in its genus; a rare and precious lineage that exists solely in Korea. If we do not conserve it, it will disappear from the planet. That is why most of its few remaining natural habitats have been designated as Natural Monuments and are under protection. What makes the white forsythia even more special is that it is beautiful and fragrant; worthy of being planted near us and loved. Moreover, recent studies have discovered beneficial
Botanical Characteristics of the White Forsythia
The white forsythia is a small, deciduous tree that belongs to the Oleaceae family and the genus Abeliophyllum. Its height reaches only about 1 to 1.5 meters, even when well cultivated. Rather than growing tall, it tends to spread outward and produces many branches. When Spring arrives, water begins to gently rise through the branches, which had looked as if they were lifeless and dried out all Winter, and it begins to bloom even before the leaves appear. The flowers closely resemble those of the forsythia but are slightly smaller, clearer in color, and emit a pleasant fragrance. These pure white, elegant blossoms cover all the branches. As it blooms even earlier than the forsythia, it is considered a true harbinger of Spring. For this reason, Westerners sometimes refer to it as the ‘white forsythia’. While the basic color of the flower is white, subtle variations appear. Some blossoms take on pink or ivory hues, allowing viewers to enjoy the delicate differences in tone. As the flowers fall, the leaves emerge, neatly arranged in opposite pairs. One of its most distinctive features is its fruit, which resembles a round hand fan. That is why it is called misun (尾扇), which means ‘tail fan’ in Korean. The white forsythia is primarily found in Jincheon City in North Chungcheong Province and neighboring Goesan City. It is also occasionally discovered in the Naesosan area of North Jeolla Province and some regions of North Gyeongsang Province. These trees grow in harsh, rocky and extremely barren soil where other plants struggle to survive.
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Honoring Our Native Flora
 | A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University for a research meeting. The Arboretum had meticulously preserved the records and photographs of a plant collector named Ernest Henry Wilson, who had explored Korea a century ago. Many plants he collected were Korean specimens of the white forsythia that are still thriving in the gardens of the Arboretum and flourish more abundantly and beautifully than we see at home. Local parks in the area featured white forsythia trees blooming proudly as if they were long residents. While we often express frustration about our native plants being exported and used abroad, we have yet to create the conditions for our own people to truly know, love and cultivate these plants. This realization led to a profound sense of responsibility and even regret. |
Of course, Korea is not alone. Every country in Asia and indeed throughout world has its own unique and precious flora. The important point is that we first learn about and appreciate our native species then work with other nations to preserve them, unlock their potential and share their stories with the world. I believe that this is a true act of patriotism and an essential step toward preserving the Earth’s biodiversity. As Spring returns, I encourage you to seek out the white forsythia.
- Lee Yu Mi, Former Director of Sejong National Arboretum -
If I have to choose trees that we must truly know, I would count the Abeliophyllum distichum, commonly known as the ‘white forsythia’, among the top five. It is a plant endemic to Korea. An endemic plant means a plant that grows nowhere else on Earth but, in this case, the Korean Peninsula. Further, the white forsythia belongs to a monotypic genus. This means that it is the only species in its genus; a rare and precious lineage that exists solely in Korea. If we do not conserve it, it will disappear from the planet. That is why most of its few remaining natural habitats have been designated as Natural Monuments and are under protection. What makes the white forsythia even more special is that it is beautiful and fragrant; worthy of being planted near us and loved. Moreover, recent studies have discovered beneficial
The white forsythia is a small, deciduous tree that belongs to the Oleaceae family and the genus Abeliophyllum. Its height reaches only about 1 to 1.5 meters, even when well cultivated. Rather than growing tall, it tends to spread outward and produces many branches. When Spring arrives, water begins to gently rise through the branches, which had looked as if they were lifeless and dried out all Winter, and it begins to bloom even before the leaves appear. The flowers closely resemble those of the forsythia but are slightly smaller, clearer in color, and emit a pleasant fragrance. These pure white, elegant blossoms cover all the branches. As it blooms even earlier than the forsythia, it is considered a true harbinger of Spring. For this reason, Westerners sometimes refer to it as the ‘white forsythia’. While the basic color of the flower is white, subtle variations appear. Some blossoms take on pink or ivory hues, allowing viewers to enjoy the delicate differences in tone. As the flowers fall, the leaves emerge, neatly arranged in opposite pairs. One of its most distinctive features is its fruit, which resembles a round hand fan. That is why it is called misun (尾扇), which means ‘tail fan’ in Korean. The white forsythia is primarily found in Jincheon City in North Chungcheong Province and neighboring Goesan City. It is also occasionally discovered in the Naesosan area of North Jeolla Province and some regions of North Gyeongsang Province. These trees grow in harsh, rocky and extremely barren soil where other plants struggle to survive.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University for a research meeting. The Arboretum had meticulously preserved the records and photographs of a plant collector named Ernest Henry Wilson, who had explored Korea a century ago. Many plants he collected were Korean specimens of the white forsythia that are still thriving in the gardens of the Arboretum and flourish more abundantly and beautifully than we see at home. Local parks in the area featured white forsythia trees blooming proudly as if they were long residents. While we often express frustration about our native plants being exported and used abroad, we have yet to create the conditions for our own people to truly know, love and cultivate these plants. This realization led to a profound sense of responsibility and even regret.
Of course, Korea is not alone. Every country in Asia and indeed throughout world has its own unique and precious flora. The important point is that we first learn about and appreciate our native species then work with other nations to preserve them, unlock their potential and share their stories with the world. I believe that this is a true act of patriotism and an essential step toward preserving the Earth’s biodiversity. As Spring returns, I encourage you to seek out the white forsythia.
- Lee Yu Mi, Former Director of Sejong National Arboretum -