Geumgang Hydrangeas in Mt. Geumgang

Pictures of Geumgang Hydrangeas (aka noodle tree) in full bloom were taken for the first time at Manpokdong, Mt. Geumgang, North Korea, on July 7. The trees, known to inhabit only in Mt. Geumgang and designated as natural treasure no. 43 in South Korea (natural treasure no. 232 in North Korea), grow long white flowers in the shape of noodles from the end of June to mid July. Botanist Lee Yeong-no said that he saw the flowers for the first time in 67 years when he saw them in Mt. Geumgang in 1941 as a student. He said he will put the first ever taken pictures in illustrated flora books.