Communities

Scientific Name

Nothofagus gunnii

Family Name

FAGACEAE

Common Name

Fagus, Tanglefoot, Deciduous Beech

Status

Height

10.0m (1000cm)

Flowers

Small, creamy green unisexual flowers

Fruit

Nuts

Form

Medium shrub or small tree; leaves small & deeply indented on the upper surface. (see General notes)

Municipalities

Central Highlands; Derwent Valley; Huon Valley; Kentish; Meander Valley; West Coast

Communities

Heath; Montane Vegetation; Rainforest

Habitat Notes

Tas. endemic; altitudes from 900-1250 m

Site Tolerance

Exposed; Moist; Shady; Windy

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Poor; Well-drained

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. Not suitable below powerlines.

Propagation Details

Propagation Calendar

Flowering Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Collecting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sowing Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cutting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

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

Seed Storage Life

up to 4 years at 3-5oC

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Propagate from fresh seed; stratify at 2-5oC for 4 weeks before sowing. Germinates best at temperatures of 15-20oC. Viable seed sinks after soaking for 48 hours.

Germination Time

Six months

Suitable for Direct Seeding

Cuttings

Expected Time to Take Root

Expected Time to Plant Out

Propagation by Division N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.

Cutting Notes

May 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.