Southern Beech

About the Tree

Nothofagus, also known as the southern beeches, is a genus of about 35 species of trees and
shrubs native to the temperate oceanic to tropical Southern Hemisphere in southern South America
(Chile, Argentina) and Australasia (east & southeast Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, New Guinea
and New Caledonia).

In the past they were included in the family Fagaceae, but genetic tests by the Angiosperm
Phylogeny Group revealed them to be genetically distinct, and they are now included in a family
their own, the Nothofagaceae. 

About the Wood

They are important timber trees, having hard timber like beech, used in building and furniture
making.

Experts recommend slow drying to avoid any problems with rauli. The timber has medium density,
bending and crushing strengths; very low stiffness and resistance to shock; moderate steambending
qualities (it cannot be bent if pin knots are present); and is easy to glue and finish. The
wood may be worked easily with hand and machine tools. Heartwood durability is variable, and
sapwood is vulnerable to attack by powder post beetles.

All of the woods mentioned are used for furniture components, cabinet work, flooring, millwork,
cooperage and a general purpose timber. Though all of the woods are easy to work and finish well,
rauli is considered the best of the closely related species for working properties, drying ease and allpurpose
timber.