Conclusions

Abstract

Within this study, eight major biogeographic regions in the Korean peninsula have been delineated, mainly by the use of a twinspan programme, and based on the known distribution of 204 evergreen coniferous, broadleaved and bamboo species on 146 sample sites (88 inland and 58 island sites). These eight biogeographic regions are: a Northern Alpine Region (I), a North-South Subalpine Region (II), a Midland Mountain Region (III), a Southern Mountain Region (IV), a Mid-Western Insular Region (V), a Southern Insular Region (VI), a West-South-Eastern Insular and Associated Inland Region (VII) and a North-South Disjunctive Region (VIII). A comparative analysis of each biogeographic division, and its component plant groups, its species composition, its physiognomy and the three-dimensional distributional patterns of species found therein, has provided invaluable information as to the nature and history of the biogeography of Korea.