Common Name:

General Information

Nothofagus dombeyi is an evergreen tree with a large, dense, ovoid-conic crown; it usually grows up to 35 metres tall but mature trees can reach 50 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole is usually around 60 - 90cm in diameter (occasionally to 250cm), and can be clear of branches for up to 18 - 25 metres[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, both for local use and also on a commercial basis for trade.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - southwestern Argentina, central and southern Chile

Habitat

Forming forests, mainly on poor soils[]. Dense forests and almost pure stands, though often in small groups, from coastal areas to high in the mountains, but mainly at elevations from 700 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus dombeyi is native to moderate elevations in central Chile where it can experience temperatures falling to around -15°c, occasionally even to -20°c. It grows in the more humid areas, with almost year-round rainfall - short dry periods are possible, but generally not longer than 1 month[]. Trees are hardy in southern England, growing best in the southwest where specimens 25 metres or more are found[].
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[].
A fairly fast-growing species[].
Good natural regeneration[].
Species in this genus often have poor wind resistance in cultivation, probably because they grow so fast[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark contains tannins[].

The heartwood varies from pale pinkish brown to reddish brown or bright cherry red; it is not clearly demarcated from the often wide band of light brown sapwood. The texture is mostly fine and uniform; the grain is straight; growth rings fairly well defined; lustre medium to high; it has no distinctive odour or taste. Durability is variable, ranging from poor to moderate. The wood is generally very difficult to dry with a pronounced tendency to distort and collapse - it must be seasoned under cover. It is easy to work and dress cleanly with both hand and machine tools; has a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges; a good finish can be obtained by keeping cutting edges sharp; has fair to good steam-bending qualities; severe staining may occur when in contact with metal; it is easy to glue and finish; takes stain and polish satisfactorily. An all-purpose timber in Chile, the wood is used for furniture components, cabinet work, flooring, millwork, cooperage etc[, ].
The wood makes a 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.