Suwon City and Shingu University Conduct Plant Donation Ceremony...Kalkianthus and Deutzia Varieties to Be Cultivated at Suwon Arboretum
[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The Suwon Arboretum, which is set to open in 2022, will now feature a richer collection of representative native tree species of Korea, including kalkianthus and deutzia.
Suwon City and Shingu University held a plant donation and distribution ceremony on the 11th. The ceremony was attended by Heo Ui-haeng, director of Suwon City's Parks and Greening Project Division, and Jeon Jeong-il, director of Shingu University's Botanical Garden.
Shingu University's Botanical Garden, designated as a forest genetic resource management institution by the Korea Forest Service, donated 44 plants of 11 species to Suwon City, including kalkianthus, deutzia, hairy kalkianthus, 'Miss Kim lilac', and others.
The Shingu University Botanical Garden is collecting important plant genetic resources from the Syringa and Deutzia genera. A portion of these will be distributed this year, with plans to donate approximately 50 plant varieties to Suwon City next year as well.
Kalkianthus and deutzia are representative native tree species of Korea. They are popular as ornamental trees due to their attractive form and fragrance.
Suwon City plans to relocate the precious donated plant resources to a nursery established near the Suwon Arboretum site, cultivate them, and subsequently utilize them in developing the Suwon Botanical Garden to introduce citizens to a diverse collection of genetic resources.
Previously, Suwon City and Shingu University signed a memorandum of understanding in late May to exchange plant genetic resources and conduct collaborative research activities.
The agreement also included the distribution of five Rose of Sharon varieties, including 'Suseong,' a cultivar developed by Suwon City in 2018.
A Suwon City official stated, "Through the active cooperation of Shingu University, we are confident that we can successfully develop the Suwon Arboretum," adding, "We will strengthen joint collaboration so that both institutions' arboretum and botanical garden can thrive in the future."