Nothofagus fusca

Nothofagus fusca is a species of southern beech tree. It is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found naturally only in that country. In New Zealand, the species is also called Fuscospora fusca. The Māori name for this tree is tawhai raunui. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree. This means its leaves remain green throughout the year. The tree can grow to a height of 35 meters.

This tree grows in very specific environments. You can find it on both the North and South Islands. It usually lives on lower hills. It also grows on inland valley floors. These areas must have soil that is fertile. The soil must also be well drained. This helps the tree thrive in its natural habitat.

The physical features of the red beech are quite distinct. The leaves are arranged alternately along the branches. Each leaf is broad and shaped like an oval, or ovoid. They measure between 2 and 4 cm in length. They are also 1.5 to 3 cm wide. The leaf margin, or edge, has a double-toothed pattern. This means each lobe on the edge has two teeth. The tree also produces fruit in a small cupule. This cupule contains three seeds.

Scientists have used pollen to study the history of this tree. They found pollen near the Antarctic Peninsula. This discovery provides a link to the past. It shows that the tree formerly grew in Antarctica. This happened during the Eocene period. This history shows how much the Earth has changed over time.

The red beech is chemically unique among plants. It is the only known plant source of a specific substance. This is a C-linked dihydrochalcone glycoside called nothofagin. The only other plant known to have this is rooibos, or Aspalathus linearis. This makes the red beech very interesting to researchers. It is not currently considered a threatened species.

The wood from this tree is very valuable. It is the most durable of all the New Zealand beeches. The timber is exceptionally stable when it is dried. This stability happens when it reaches appropriate moisture values. Because of this, it is often used for flooring. The average density of the wood is 630 kilograms per cubic metre. This measurement is based on a 12 percent moisture content.

Red beech can also create hybrid species through cross-breeding. It hybridises with mountain beech, known as Nothofagus cliffortioides. This creates the hybrid Nothofagus ×blairii. It also hybridises with black beech, or Nothofagus solandri. This results in the hybrid Nothofagus ×dubia. Finally, it can hybridise with the ruil tree from Chile. This creates the hybrid species Nothofagus ×eugenananus.

Beyond its uses in timber, people grow the tree for beauty. It is used as an ornamental tree in many places. It grows well in regions with a mild oceanic climate. This is because of its attractive leaf shape. You can find these trees planted in Scotland. They are also grown on the North Coast of the Pacific in the United States.