Population of Cacti in Wollyeong-ri, Jeju

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.429

Category

동식물

Designated year

2001

Location

제주시, 제주특별자치도— 제주 제주시 한림읍 월령리 359-3번지 등

Coordinates

33.377545, 126.214684

The word cactus brings to mind images of burning hot deserts, but there is a variety of species other than those that grow in the desert. Most cacti usually have thorns replacing leaves, and a stem resembling a cylinder, which differ their shape from other plants and trees. The thorns emerged as a result of devolution to help cacti retain water in the desert and protect themselves from animals. Its colony in Wollyeong-ri, Jeju Island is widely spread among the rocks, along the shore and in the village. They are assumed to have arrived in Jeju from Mexico, their original habitat; carried along on the Kuroshio Current, they began to grow in the wild here. The cactus has spread wide across the village since the residents have, since long ago, planted it along walls to prevent snakes and mice from entering the house. The colony of cacti in Wollyeong-ri is the only wild cactus grove in Korea and is consequently meaningful in studying the distribution of cactus. Since they have been used by local villagers for various purposes, such as folk remedies, and preventing the entry of harmful animals, this colony of cacti is also important in the study of folk culture.

Location