Eastern Asia (WGSRPD)

Eastern Asia, as defined by the World Geographical Scheme for Recording Plant Distributions (WGSRPD), is a floristic region encompassing a portion of the Asian continent. This geographical division is used in botany and related fields to standardize the reporting and analysis of plant distributions.

The WGSRPD scheme recognizes Eastern Asia as a distinct area based on shared plant taxa and biogeographical history. While the specific boundaries can sometimes be debated due to the complex interplay of environmental factors and species ranges, the region generally includes the following areas:

• China: Typically includes mainland China (excluding Xinjiang and Tibet, which fall under Central Asia), as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong.
• Japan: The entire archipelago of Japan.
• Korea: Both North and South Korea are considered part of Eastern Asia.
• Mongolia: While some may place Mongolia in Central Asia, the WGSRPD includes it within Eastern Asia.

It is crucial to note that the WGSRPD is a floristic scheme, and its boundaries may differ from those used in political geography, climatology, or other disciplines. The scheme is primarily used for classifying and analyzing plant distributions, and not necessarily for broader geographical or cultural classifications.

The WGSRPD is maintained and updated to reflect current scientific understanding of plant biogeography. This ensures that plant distribution data can be accurately compared and analyzed across different regions and time periods. Researchers studying plant diversity, conservation, and biogeography often rely on the WGSRPD to provide a standardized framework for their work. Understanding the specific definition of Eastern Asia within the context of the WGSRPD is essential for interpreting scientific literature and data related to plant distributions in the region.