Korea section

Unlike the Forest Botanical Garden which presents woody plants arranged in systematic groups, tree and shrub species within the Arboretum are arranged according to geographic regions of collection (China, Japan, Caucasus/ Asia Minor, Korea, and North America).



Special features of the Korea section

More than 55 woody plant species have already been planted in the Korea section in 2011, with more wild forms being cultivated to add to the collection in the near future. The section occupies outdoor facilities of the animal physiology building and the 'German Primate Center' (Deutsches Primatenzentrum) along Kellnerweg (see map).

The first floristic highlights in spring include the flowering periods of the Early Forsythia (Forsythia ovata), Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), and Pearlbush (Exochorda racemosa). In fall several Euonymus species and the Korean Barberry (Berberis koreana) feature marvellous aspects of fruits and foliage.



Flower and foliage of Early Forsythia (Forsythia ovata)


Among many species regularly planted in central European gardens the Korea section includes a host of woody plants endemic to Korea. Among these the most-popular and most-planted species in Germany is the Korean Fir (Abies koreana), which today is widespread in German front gardens. Two reasons for its outstanding popularity are the reduced crown and a plenitude of cones after only 10-15 years.



Cones of the Korean Fir (Abies koreana)



'National Conservation Collection'

Declared a 'National Conservation Collection' (Nationale Schutzsammlung) by the 'Botanical Gardens Association' (Verband Botanischer Gärten, VBG), the Korea section as a living reference collection plays a pivotal role in the conservation of gene resources of Korean trees and shrubs. Since 1999, on behalf of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) the VBG, which represents Botanical Gardens of the German-speaking countries, has developed a concept to identify important collections, worthy of particular attention. This concept aims at the conservation of cultural heritage and plant biodiversity, as well as protection and continuity of botanical collections. Other 'National Conservation Collections' include the Japan and Caucasus/ Asia Minor sections of the Plant Geographic Arboretum.