Nothofagus fusca | |
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Tree | |
Foliage | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fagales |
Family: | Nothofagaceae |
Genus: | Nothofagus |
Subgenus: | Nothofagus subg. Fuscospora |
Species: | N. fusca
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Binomial name | |
Nothofagus fusca | |
Synonyms | |
Fuscospora fusca (Hook.f.) Heenan & Smissen |
Nothofagus fusca, commonly known as red beech (Māori: tawhai raunui) is a species of southern beech, endemic to New Zealand, occurring on both the North and South Island. It is generally found on lower hills and inland valley floors where soil is fertile and well drained.[2] In New Zealand the species is called Fuscospora fusca.[3][verification needed]
It is a medium-sized evergreen tree growing to 35 m tall. The leaves are alternately arranged, broad ovoid, 2 to 4 cm long and 1.5 to 3 cm broad, the margin distinctively double-toothed with each lobe bearing two teeth. The fruit is a small cupule containing three seeds.[citation needed]
Pollen from the tree was found near the Antarctic Peninsula, showing that it formerly grew in Antarctica since the Eocene period.[4] Red beech is not currently considered threatened.[5]