Retusa Fringe Tree of Sinjeon-ri, Yangsan

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.234

Category

동식물

Designated year

1971

Location

양산시, 경상남도— 경남 양산시 상북면 신전리 95번지

Coordinates

35.431193, 129.061708

Retusa fringe tree is named “Ipamnamu” in Korean. There are two folk origins about the name of the tree. Some say, the name “Ibap,” literally meaning "rice," stemmed from the fact that its white blossoms resemble cooked rice. Others say, it once had the name “Iphamok” in Korean (a tree growing in early summer), since this tree blossoms when summer starts. This name was changed to “Ipamnamu”. The age of retusa fringe in Sinjeon-ri, Yangsan is not known. It has height of 16.3m and girth of 4.47m. This tree stands near the valley that flows down from Yeongchwisan Mountain. It is divided into two trunks from the bottom, and it looks as if it were two trees. The villagers in this town believe this tree to be a guardian protecting the village. There are still golden strings around the tree. Every January 15th (lunar), the villagers perform a sacrificial rite for the well-being of the town. Koreans have a legend concerning this tree. The blossoms of this tree foretell the year's harvest. This tree usually grows in a place with lots of water. Therefore, the tree is in full bloom with the proper amount of rain, without which it does not bloom well. The water amount is important in rice crop. As a result of long observation through experience, this legend seems to be true. Since the tree in Sinjeon-ri, Yangsan has been under our ancestors' care and protection and is also biologically valuable, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location