Nothofagus cunninghamii

myrtle species

NothofagaceaeNothofagus

Myrtle beech or Tasmanian myrtle is in the southern beech or Nothofagaceae family and is native to Tasmania and Vitoria in Australia. It grows up to 40 m tall.

  • Leaves are evergreen, simple, alternate, 0.5–2.0 cm long, triangular, with irregular minute teeth; colour is dark green but with new growth brilliant red, pink or orange in the spring.
  • Plants are monoecious, with flowers forming in inconspicuous clusters next to leaves at the tips of branches.
  • Fruit is 6 mm long and woody, containing 3 small-winged nuts.

Contributors

  • Philippe de Spoelberch