Korean Arbor-vitae

Thuja koraiensis Nakai

Thuja koraiensis, known as Korean Arbor-vitae, is a species of the genus Thuja in the family Cupressaceae. It is native to Korea and the extreme northeast of China, specifically around the Changbaishan region. The species faces significant threats, with its population in China protected within the Changbaishan Nature Reserve and in South Korea within the Soraksan Nature Reserve. However, the majority of its range in North Korea remains unprotected, leading to concerns about its conservation status due to habitat loss.

Description

Thuja koraiensis is a coniferous tree species found in Korea and the extreme northeast of China. Its distribution is limited to specific regions, including the Changbaishan and Soraksan areas. Conservation efforts are in place in China and South Korea, but the species is at risk in North Korea where habitat loss is a major threat. The species was first described in 1919 by Nakai.