Hosta species native to Korea

In order to identify the species of Hosta genus growing on the Korean Peninsula, the results of studies published by various taxonomists since J.G. Baker in 1870 were reviewed. In addition, we investigated the characteristics of the native individuals by exploring the native habitats throughout the country. In summary, six species of Hosta were native to the Korean Peninsula: H. capitata Nakai, H. clausa Nakai, H. jonesii M.G. Chung, H. minor Nakai, H. venusta F. Maegawa, and H. yingeri S.B. Jones. The two varieties are H. clausa var. normaliz F. Maegawa and H. clausa var. geumgangensis M. Kim & H. Jo. The three forma are H. capitata Nakai for. albiflora M. Kim, H. jonesii for albiflora M. Kim and H. minor for. alba (Nakai) F. Maegawa. Among these native species, H. capitata is known to be native to Japan and H. clausa is widely distributed to northeastern China. However, the other four species, H. venusta, H. minor, H. jonesii, and H. yingeri are endemic plant species distributed only in Korea.