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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
Scientific Name: Nothofagus gunnii Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: deciduous beech
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Nothofagaceae
Form Description: Medium shrub or small tree; leaves small and deeply indented on the upper surface.
Height (m): 2 – 6
Flowers: Small, creamy green unisexual flowers.
Fruit: Nuts
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Altitudes from 900-1250 m.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Shady, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Leaves are light green in spring and summer and turn golden-brown to reddish before falling in autumn. Tasmania’s only winter-deciduous tree. Popular with bonsai enthusiasts. Very slow-growing; highly fire-susceptible and reluctant to regenerate after fire.
Propagation Calendar
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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 Information
Seed Collection
The winged seeds, ripe mid-March to May, are expelled from the prickly woody husks over several months. Those collected early in the season have better viability.
Seed Treatment Method
Cold Some species require exposure to cold before they germinate. These species are best sown in early winter and left to germinate in a shade house.
Seed Storage Life
Up to 4 years at 3-5°C
Seed Treatment Notes
Propagate from fresh seed; stratify at 2-5°C for 4 weeks before sowing. Germinates best at temperatures of 15-20°C. Viable seed sinks after soaking for 48 hours.
Germination Time
6 months
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown from cuttings, however they may be difficult to strike if taken from mature plant. For best chance of success take cuttings from leafless hardwood stem 2-6 years old in autumn or early spring.