This species was long included as a variety of Nothofagus obliqua (as Nothofagus obliqua var. macrocarpa A.DC.). However, a paper by Francisco M. Vázquez and Roberto A. Rodríguez (A new subspecies and two new combinations of Nothofagus Blume (Nothofagaceae) from Chile; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society (1999), 129; 75-83) proposed raising this variety to species level. This proposal appears to have been accepted. There is little in the literature relating to the wood of Nothofagus macrocarpa, but it can be safely concluded that these uses will be very similar to those of Nothofagus obliqua[].
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 macrocarpa (A.DC.) Heenan & Smissen

Common Name: Roble de Santiago

General Information

Nothofagus macrocarpa is a deciduous tree; it can grow up to 25 metres tall.
An important timber tree within its range, where it is harvested on a commercial basis. The tree is increasingly being grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central Chile

Habitat

Forming forests from the coastal mountains to the timber line; at elevations from 500 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus macrocarpa is found from low to fairly high elevations in central Chile, growing in regions that can have rainfall all year round or a dry season of up to 5 months. Mean annual rainfall can vary from 400 - 800mm. The plant is fairly tolerant of frost, it is usually unharmed by short periods falling as low as -15°c and may even survive -20°c[].
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 very ornamental tree[]

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The following uses for Nothofagus obliqua almost certainly also apply to this species[]:-

The heartwood is pink to deep reddish-brown with mild streaks; the sapwood is yellowish-pink. The texture is fine and even; the grain straight; lustre low, more pronounced on the longitudinal surface; there is no distinct odour or taste. The wood is is heavy, hard, fairly dense, moderately strong, durable. It is difficult to season, drying slowly with a marked tendency to warp and split. The wood works easily and finishes smoothly; it takes paints very well and varnishes satisfactorily. Of very good quality, it is used for furniture, ship-building, interior joinery[, , ].
It makes a very good firewood and charcoal[, , ].
The roblé yields when mature a durable reddish timber, comparable to oak in the uses to which it is or has been put (shipbuilding, interior joinery, furniture, etc.)[].

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.