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 Fuscospora solandri (Hook.f.) Heenan & Smissen

Common Name: Black Beech

General Information

Nothofagus solandri is an evergreen tree with a bense, broad, round-headed crown; it can grow 12 - 25 metres tall with a bole 60 - 150cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is mainly used locally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - North and South Islands.

Habitat

Lowland and montane forest between latitudes 38°s and 44°s on North and South Islands[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus solandri is often found growing near the timber line in New Zealand, tolerating exposed positions and poor soils. It does not compete very well with trees in more sheltered conditions on good soils. It is fairly cold tolerant, when dormant it is generally undamaged by temperatures falling for short periods to -5°c or even -10°c. It has proved to be hardy and is growing reasonably well in the maritime climate at Crarae in western Scotland (hardiness zone 7), though it is not as robust as the closely-related species Nothofagus cliffortioides[].
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[].
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 bark is a source of tannins[].

Wood - heavy, tough, strong, durable. Used for making bridges, gateposts etc[, ]. The wood is not of great use - it is employed for boat knees, cask staves, and is often used for fence rails[].
The wood makes a good fuel if it has been well dried[].

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.