Family: Fagaceae
Common Name: Southern Beech

Native to the southern hemisphere, this genus comprises over 30 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs with dark green leaves, often with toothed margins. Though much smaller, the attractive foliage is similar to that of their relative, the true beech. They make beautiful shade and ornamental specimens for cool climates, though most are too large for gardens, and can also be clipped to provide hedges. They are also grown for their timber.

Species

N. antarctica, Antarctic beech, zone 7, inm South America. is a lei nluoiis live which grows to 30 m (100 ft) tall.

N. cunninghamii, myrtle beech, is an imposing, evergreen tree from south-eastern Australia which can attain a height of 50 m (160 ft) in its habitat, but usually grows 20-30 m (65-100 ft) in cultivation. It has dense sprays of small, shiny, toothed leaves. The young foliage is a reddish bronze colour. A dwarf, alpine form is available.

N. fusca, New Zealand red beech, has a slender growth habit and round, wavy leaves with a bright brownish red tone which colour attractively in winter.

N. gunnii, deciduous beech, zone 8, is an attractive, mountain species, and one of the few deciduous Australian trees. It is a small grower, to about 3 m (10 ft), with lovely, golden autumn foliage. The leaves are small, round and furrowed.

N. moorei, from alpine and mountainous regions of Australia, has a huge trunk covered with brown, scaly hark and distinctive, triangular-shaped, greenish bronze foliage. It grows to 20m (65 ft) tall.

Cultivation

These trees need acid soil and a position in full sun. Propagate from cuttings or by layering, although seedlings can often be found under mature trees. These often transplant successfully-trees up to 3 m (10 ft) tall will safely transplant, if ample soil is attached to the roots and they are staked when young for protection from wind. They can be grown in pots and make unusual bonsai subjects.

Climate

Zone 9 unless otherwise indicated below.