Fagaceae

 This is a medium tolarge tree with the appearance of irregular growth. Bright leaf litter carpets the ground under the beech stands. Tree trunks and branches are mossy and lichen-covered. They are believed to be of great age. The beautiful Beech Orchid grows almost primarily on these trees. The bark is dark brown and scaly. 

Leaves:  Leaves are dark green, alternate and ovate in shape. They are unequal-sided at the base and prominately toothed. The leaves sprout red in Spring. 

Flowers:  Flowers are unisexual and both male and female in catkins. 

Fruit:


The Antartic Beech is found only on cool, moist (occassionally snowy) mountains from 500-1500m. Temperate Rainforest. 


Hauser, J. (1992) Fragments of Green - An Identification Field Guide for Rainforest Plants of the Greater Brisbane Region, Rainforest Conservation Society, Queensland.

Nan & Hugh Nicholson (1985, 1988, 1991,1994) Australian Rainforest Plants I, II, III & IV, Terania Rainforest Publishing, Australia. 
 
 




 

Photo: Glenn Threlfo

photo: Queensland QDEH

photo: Nan & Hugh Nicholson