Nothofagus cunninghamii

Botanical Name: Nothofagus cunninghamii
Common Name: myrtle beech, Tasmanian myrtle
Family:  Nothofagaceae

Size: 35 – 50m H, 2-15m W, in sheltered rainforests valleys, or 2m H, as low-growing alpine shrubs in exposed sites.
Leaves: Simple and alternate, distinctive triangular shape with toothed margins, 15mm long. Juvenile leaves are red/pink/ bronze in colour, becoming dark green at maturity.
Flowers: Separate male and female flowers. Male flowers with prominent hanging stamens, female clustered in leave axils near ends of branches, with no stamens.  Wind pollinated
Flowering Time: November -- December
Fruit: Small woody nuts (about 6mm), each containing 3 small winged nuts.

Habitat/distribution: Cool temperate rainforests in Tasmania and southern Victoria.
Where to See: Widespread in rainforests and wet gullies throughout Western, Central Plateau, Southern and North-eastern Tasmania
Other notes: A robust species, it grows in variety of positions from full-shade (slowly) to full sun, with its preferred position being part shade. Need ample moisture in well-drained soils.  In contrast to its famous relative, the Deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), Nothofagus cunninghamii retains its dark green foliage all year round.