Some of the major lichen samples such as Caloplaca bogilana were donated to the Korean National Herbarium.
A collection of 17,892 lichen samples was donated to the Korean National Herbarium under the Korea National Arboretum (KNA).
A lichen is a composite organism that consist of fungus and algae, functioning as a single symbiotic unit living on the surfaces of rocks or trees.
The number of samples collected within Korea totals 9,297. The samples found outside Korea add up to 8,595, including 380 gathered in the polar regions. Experts consider 53 type specimens among this collection, including Caloplaca bogilana, as important resources for biological research. The samples were donated by Professor Huh Jae-sun from the Korea Lichen Research Institute of Sunchon National University on Dec. 19.
“The donated specimens are expected to form the foundation of lichen taxonomy,” said Lee You-mi, the director of KNA. “’The Illustrated Guide to Korean Lichen’ series will be a good stepping stone for the development of lichen studies,” she added.
By Kim Young Shin
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: Korea National Arboretum
ysk1111@korea.kr
