Scientific Name: Nothofagus cunninghamii

Common Name: myrtle beech

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Nothofagaceae

Form Description: Tree or sometimes a dense shrub.

Height (m): 2 – 50

Flowers: On new growth. Male: solitary stalked, hanging stamens; Female: unstalked in threes in axils.

Fruit: Nutlet – 4mm in diameter, with a central small flat seed and two winged seeds (both germinable).

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDorsetFlindersGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
RainforestWet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

Dominates rainforest throughout most of the state. It also occurs as an understorey tree in tall eucalypt forest and extends as a shrub into the sub-alpine and alpine zones.

Site Tolerance

Moist, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Slow growing in cultivation. Will stand full sun but prefers shade. The timber, pinkish-brown in colour, takes a fine polish and is valued for cabinet work, joinery, floor-boards and the heels of shoes.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Seed falls over several months; later in the season has lower viability. Heavy crops usually every 2-3 years.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Storage Life

Up to 4 years

Seed Treatment Notes

Best sown fresh. Storage at 3-5°C will help extend viability. Viable seed sinks after soaking in water for 48 hrs. Highest viability (about 45%) occurs in heavy seed crop years and is higher for seed picked at the peak of collection period. Higher altitudes reduce viability.

Germination Time

6-8 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Usually give a low percentage of success.