Family: Nothofagaceae
Author: (Hook.f.) Oerst.
Bibliography: Bidr. Egefam.: 25 (1871)
Year: 1871
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nothofagus
Vegetable: False
Observations: New Zealand
Description
Silver beech, known scientifically as Nothofagus menziesii, is a prominent tree species native to New Zealand. As a member of the Nothofagaceae family, the silver beech plays a crucial role in the unique ecosystem of its native environment. This species was first described and classified by the renowned botanist (Hook.f.) Oerst., with its detailed taxonomy published in the seminal work “Bidr. Egefam.” in 1871.
The silver beech is characterized by its impressive stature and distinctive silvery foliage, which provides the tree with its common name. Its leaves are small, typically between 1 to 2.5 centimeters long, and are noted for their leathery texture and finely serrated edges. These attributes contribute to the tree’s resilience and adaptability to the cool, temperate climates of New Zealand’s forests.
In the dense canopies of New Zealand’s temperate rainforests, the silver beech stands tall, often reaching heights of up to 30 meters. Its bark is smooth and gray, maturing to a rougher texture with age, and serves as an excellent indicator of the tree’s stage in the life cycle. The wood of the silver beech is highly valued for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making it a sought-after material for furniture and flooring.
Ecologically, Nothofagus menziesii plays a vital role in its habitat by creating a stable and rich environment for various flora and fauna. The tree’s broad canopy provides shelter and food for numerous bird species, while its fallen leaves and decaying wood enrich the forest floor, encouraging the growth of understory plants and fungi. Moreover, the silver beech’s ability to thrive in infertile soils exemplifies its robustness and highlights its importance in preserving the ecological balance within its native forests.
Conservation efforts are crucial to maintain the health of these beech forests, particularly in the face of threats such as deforestation, invasive species, and climate change. Protecting this invaluable species ensures the preservation of its ecosystem and supports the continued study and appreciation of New Zealand’s rich biodiversity.
In sum, the silver beech, Nothofagus menziesii, is a tree of great ecological and economic importance in New Zealand. Through its unique characteristics and role in the environment, it stands as a testament to the dynamic and intricate web of life within the Nothofagaceae family and the broader temperate rainforest ecosystem.
Common Names
Eng: silver beech
En: Silver beech
Fi: Hopeaetelänpyökki
De: Silberne Scheinbuche
Mi: Tāwhai
Pl: Bukan Menziesa
Synonyms
- Lophozonia menziesii ((Hook.f.) Heenan & Smissen)
- Fagus menziesii (Hook.f.)
Distribution
- New Zealand North (native)
- New Zealand South (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by bernard Parrin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 30, 2022 by witt1 (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874917)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:359094-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nothofagus menziesii (Hook.f.) Oerst.)