Nothofagus moorei: is
known as the Antarctic Beech and is a member of
the Nothofagaceae family.
The Antarctic Beech is a tall tree with brown, scaly bark. The ovate leaves
are dark green, six centimetres long and with toothed margins. Young growth is
an attractive reddish colour. Flowers and fruits are insignificant.
In the wild, Nothofagus moorei is a magnificent tree. Basal coppice
shoots usually surround its massive trunk.
Antarctic Beech inhabits cool-temperate rainforests on the north coast and
northern tablelands of New South Wales as well as southern Queensland.
Usually, Nothofagus moorei is the dominant tree in these high altitude
rainforests. The species occurs up to 1550 metres. In the Australian context
this is very high indeed.
Most populations are now protected in National Parks. The two images were
taken in New England National Park. This is one of the
strongholds of these ancient trees.
Horticulturally, Nothofagus moorei probably has a future as an indoor
plant. It may be found growing in a contrived rainforest gully in the National
Botanic Garden at Canberra.
This species is one native plant that requires plenty of water. The Antarctic
Beech is probably best left in its natural habitat where it may be admired on
a visit to New England National Park.