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 obliqua (Mirb.) Heenan & Smissen

Common Name: Roblé

General Information

Nothofagus obliqua is a deciduous tree; mature specimens can reach up to 30 metres tall, occasionally taller[]. The bole can be unbranched for most of that height[].
An important timber tree in its native habitat, it is commonly harvested from the wild.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - central and southern Chile to western Argentina

Habitat

Forests between latitudes 41°s and 38°s[]. Usually found on good soils in drier regions, away from the coastal evergreen rain forests, occurring both in dense pure stands and in mixture with other species[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus obliqua is found at low to medium elevations in central and southern Chile where it can often experience frosts, though these are likely to be short-lived with temperatures falling no lower than around -8°c. The plant can also tolerate occasional short spells of snow lasting up to 2 weeks[]. It can be damaged in severe winters when young but becomes rather hardier with age. Plants succeed at Crarae in western Scotland[]. The plant prefers cool wet summers with mild wet winters in a temperate maritime climate[], though it also does well in a Mediterranean climate with as little as 400mm of rain a year[].
Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[, ]. Succeeds on most soils, including sandy ones[], but dislikes calcareous soils[]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[].
The plant succeeds remarkably well in the British Isles. It is hardy, grows well on a wide range of soils (though not on chalk), sets good crops of seed and even self-sows itself. It is also fast-growing and makes an elegant specimen. The ugly cracked bark is a defect, but in time this should give way to the handsome furrowed, richly coloured bark of maturity[].
Natural regeneration in the wild is variable[]..
A very ornamental tree[], it often self-sows in Britain[].
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 moving plants[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast growing tree, it can be used as a hedge or windbreak[]. Another report suggests that it is not a good wind resister[].

Other Uses

The wood contains abundant tannin and resin containing cells[].

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.