Nothofagus antarctica

Nothofagus antarctica, also known as the southern beech or Magellan beech, is a deciduous tree, native to the humid temperate forests of Chile and Argentina. With its original irregular but full of lightness habit, it adds a shiny green foliage that turns golden in autumn, before revealing in winter its brown and red often twisted and punctate branches.

Nothofagus antarctica has a conical, spread out, variable but always light habit and is surprising with its sometimes multiple trunks and its twisted branches. Its dark green leaves, very small compared to the size of the tree, measure only 2.5cm (1 in) long. They have undulate and dentate edges and take on a magnificent golden hue in September - October. The bark of the branches, reddish-brown, is punctuated by small light spots. When the buds start to open, the southern beech fills the air around it with a fragrance that can evoke cinnamon.

The southern beech belongs to the recently discovered family of Nothofagaceae, close to the Fagaceae and Betulaceae. It is native to the Andean forests of Patagonia, southern Chile and Argentina from latitude 36° (96.8 °F) S to Tierra del Fuego, and is still not widely cultivated in our latitudes. The southern beech can reach 35m (114ft 10in) in height in its country of origin, but it rarely exceeds 15m (49ft 2in) in height in our climate, with a fairly rapid growth.

Plant Nothofagus antarctica in neutral to acidic, fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil, preferably in full sun. This large bush can be susceptible to root rot in heavy soil. Stake it at planting and make sure to place the southern beech sheltered from strong or drying winds. Pruning may be necessary before the resumption of growth, by removing diseased or dead wood and crossed branches.

Nothofagus antarctica will be cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, where it will express all its uniqueness as a specimen. It shows more harmonious development when grown in sheltered conditions from the wind, and it enjoys humid atmospheres. A beautiful backdrop can be created by associating it with the black gum and the iron tree, which accept similar growing conditions and offer the same autumnal interest. Fans of bonsai often adopt this small tree with its surprising habit.