Practical
Plants

Nothofagus solanderi

Black Beech

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Nothofagus genus in the family Fagaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Fagaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
30 m
Fertility
Wind
Flower type
monoecious
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Wood - heavy, tough, strong, durable. Used for making bridges, gateposts etc[6][7].

Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Canopy

Environment

Range
New Zealand.
Habitat
Lowland and montane forest between latitudes 38°s and 44°s on North and South Islands[5].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. Spring-sown seed requires 2 - 3 months stratification at 1 - 5°c[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed must not be allowed to dry out according to one report[9] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[4]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[8]. Layering.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[1][4]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[2]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7 but dislikes acid peats[4]. This species is only hardy in the milder areas of Britain[1]. It is hardy and growing reasonably well at Crarae in western Scotland, though it is not as robust as the sub-species N. solanderi cliffortioides[3]. Trees have poor wind resistance in Britain, probably because they grow so fast[2]. Trees up to 4 metres tall can be successfully established, though the optimum size for transplanting is about 30 - 80cm. The roots are very sensitive to desiccation and extreme care should be taken when transplanting them[4]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Letter from Crarae Garden, March 1993. - 1993-00-00

    ↩

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  5. Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00

    ↩

  6. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  7. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩

  8. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩

  9. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

    ↩

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