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 cunninghamii (Hook.) Heenan & Smissen

Common Name: Myrtle Beech

General Information

Nothofagus cunninghamii is an evergreen shrub or tree with a dense, spreading crown. It can vary greatly in habit according to habitat and climate - in exposed, windy situations and higher elevations it is often only a shrub, but in moist, sheltered situations it becomes a very large tree, sometimes up to 50 metres tall. The straight bole, in mature trees, can sometimes reach 150 - 250cm in diameter, with slight buttresses at the base[, ].
The tree yields an excellent timber and is often harvested from the wild for commercial use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Australia - Tasmania and southern Victoria.

Habitat

Moist sheltered localities in temperate rainforests[, ]. A major component of temperate rainforest, often in pure stands, or as an understorey in tall eucalypt forest[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	55.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus cunninghamii is native to the warm temperate zone of southeastern Australia. It is found at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres, growing in regions where the mean annual rainfall is within the range 1,000 - 1,500mm. It is known to tolerate occasional temperatures falling as low as -7°c in Australian gardens, so long as its wood has been ripened by summer heat[, ]. They succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain - young plants at Crarae in western Scotland in 1992 appear to be very hardy and robust[]. Some specimens in the milder regions of the UK have exceeded 15 metres in height[].
Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[, ]. This is a slow-growing species that requires cool, shady, moist conditions and well-drained, fertile soils. Although it prefers shady conditions, it can tolerate full sun[]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[, ]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7 but dislikes acid peats[].
Plants in the wild vary in size from shrubs to very big trees according to rainfall and altitude[]. They often produce adventitious shoots[].
Trees produce heavy seed crops in every second or third year[].
Trees can live for around 500 years[].
Trees are killed in all but the less severe forest fires[].
Species in this genus often have poor wind resistance in cultivation, probably because they grow so fast[]. Another report says that this species is slow growing in cultivation[].
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[]. Another report says that the tree transplants badly[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The reddish-pink to reddish-brown wood has a beautiful, fine and straight-grained. It is light in weight, very hard, strong, tough. It polishes well. A prized timber for furniture making, woodturning and panelling, it is also used for joinery, cogs of wheels, flooring, decking, construction etc[, , , , ].

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse or cold frame, when it will generally germinate in about 6 - 8 weeks[]. 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.