A review of the genus Nothofagus has proposed that the genus be separated into four distinct genera. See Heenan P.B. & Smissen R.D. (2013). 'Revised circumscription of Nothofagus and recognition of the segregate genera Fuscospora, Lophozonia, and Trisyngyne (Nothofagaceae)'. Phytotaxa 146 (1): 131. This treatment has not as of 2017 been universally accepted, if it is accepted then this species will become Lophozonia alpina (Poepp. & Endl.) Heenan & Smissen

Common Name: Rauli

General Information

Nothofagus alpina is a deciduous tree that can attain heights of 25 metres, occasionally to 40 metres in mature stands on rich soils. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 90cm in diameter (occasionally to 250cm) and free of branches for up to 18 metres[, ].
A very important timber tree within its native range, harvested commercially, the wood is also exported.
Most of the lower elevation forest has been logged and converted to agriculture, especially in the northern part of the range, and also to Pinus radiata plantations. There are still extensive areas of intact forest at the higher elevations, though few of these are protected. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Argentina, Chilean Andes.

Habitat

Moist, seasonal forests; at elevations up to 1,900 metres[]. Forming forests in mountains, and also found occasionally on coastal plains,; at latitudes between 35° and 40° south[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus alpina is fairly cold tolerant when dormant, withstanding temperatures at least down to -10°c for short periods, though the young growth in spring is very susceptible to frost damage[].
Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[, ]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7 but dislikes acid peats[]. Prefers cool wet summers in temperate maritime zones[]. Requires at least 750mm of rain annually[]y.
A very ornamental tree[], it has a very good potential as a forestry tree in mild maritime areas of the temperate zone[, ]. It grows well at Crarae in western Scotland[].
Trees grow fast and regenerate freely and easily in nature[].
Trees respond well to coppicing[, ].
Species in this genus often have poor wind resistance in cultivation, probably because they grow so fast[].
Trees up to 4 metres tall can be successfully established, though the optimum size for transplanting is about 30 - 80cm. The roots are very sensitive to desiccation and extreme care should be taken when transplanting them[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood varies from pale pinkish brown to reddish brown or bright cherry red; it is not clearly differentiated from the often wide band of light brown sapwood. The texture is mostly fine and uniform; the grain straight; lustre low to medium; there is no distinctive odour or taste; growth rings are distinct. The wood is heavy, hard, with variable reports of durability ranging from low to good. It is generally very difficult to dry, with a pronounced tendency to distort and collapse. It dries rather slowly but well with little degrade. It is easy to work and dress cleanly; has fair to good steam-bending qualities; receives and long retains any paint or stain, admits of the highest class of polish; is easy to glue and finish, Of very good quality, it is used as an all-purpose timber in Chile, but specifically for furniture, cabinet making, flooring, millwork, wine casks,and other forms of cooperage[, , , , , ].
A very good fuel[, , ].

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. Spring-sown seed requires 2 - 3 months stratification at 1 - 5°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed must not be allowed to dry out according to one report[] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering.