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(Nothofagus solandri)
Black Beech (Nothofagus solandri)
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John Barkla
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Barkla
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Barkla | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Barkla | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-12-30T11:29:10-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
| • Precipitation | 57" - 69" |
| • High Temp. | 66°F - 71°F |
| • Low Temp. | 29°F - 39°F |
Summary
Nothofagus solandri, commonly known as Black Beech, is an evergreen tree native to the temperate rainforests and lower montane forests of New Zealand. It typically grows to a height of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) and a width of 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 meters). The tree’s appearance is characterized by its smooth, dark bark and small, leathery leaves. While it does not produce conspicuous flowers, it is notable for its small, red flowers that appear in the summer, which are often overlooked due to their size. The common name ’Black Beech’ derives from the tree’s tendency to host a sooty mold caused by scale insects.
Black Beech is valued for its durability and adaptability, making it suitable for reforestation projects and as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. It is also appreciated for its ecological role in supporting wildlife, such as the kaka, a native parrot. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium to high amounts of water, thriving in soils with medium drainage. Gardeners should be aware that the tree can be affected by the scale insect, which leads to sooty mold, although this does not typically harm the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Black Beech is valued for its durability and adaptability, making it suitable for reforestation projects and as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. It is also appreciated for its ecological role in supporting wildlife, such as the kaka, a native parrot. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium to high amounts of water, thriving in soils with medium drainage. Gardeners should be aware that the tree can be affected by the scale insect, which leads to sooty mold, although this does not typically harm the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-50 feet
- Width: 25-35 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Temperate rainforests and lower montane forests of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Nothofagus solandri, Fagus solandri, Fuscospora solandri, Nothofagus solandri var. solandri, Cliffortioides oblongata, Myrtilloides cinerascens, Nothofagus soltruncata
GBIF Accepted Name: Nothofagus solandri (Hook.f.) Oerst.