This upright tree has a grey trunk to 900mm (2ft) diameter, often buttress with spreading branches that form a broad conical habit. It has oval-oblong black-green leathery leaves and the tiny male and female bowl-shaped flowers appear in spring.

Hardiness zones 8 to 9 

Nothofagus solandri is naturally found in New Zealand from the East Cape region in the North Island to the southern alps of the South island growing on the coastal lowlands and into the adjoining sub-alpine forests to an elevation 760m (2300ft).

It prefers a well drained moist, alkaline free soil in an open sunny position and is very frost, drought and wind tolerant.

Black Beach is grown for its habit and its dark foliage that has a reddish tinge during spring. It is planted in large gardens as a specimen or in group plantings and is suitable for coastal or mountainous regions. It establishes in 4 to 7 years and is planted in farms as a shelter belt or on sloping land. It may also be used in commercial sites, avenue planting or the foliage is used in the floristry industry. ID 2777

Nothofagus (no-thō-FAH-gus) solandri (so-LAN-dre-ee)

Fagaceae (fag-AY-see-e)
Beech, Oaks and Sweet Chestnuts