Mountain beech facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides |
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F. cliffortioides
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| Fuscospora cliffortioides (Hook.f.) Heenan & Smissen
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The mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) is a unique tree. It is also known by its Māori name, Māori: tawhai rauriki. This tree is a type of Southern beech. It grows only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic there. You can find mountain beech trees in high, mountainous areas. In New Zealand, it is also called Fuscospora cliffortioides.
Mountain beech trees can grow to about 20 meters (65 feet) tall. But in very high places, near the treeline, they look different. They form what is sometimes called a "goblin forest." In these areas, the trees are much shorter, often only 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall. Their leaves are long and have a pointed end. This tree can grow in more different places than any other New Zealand tree. It can adapt to many types of environments. This means it grows in various shapes and sizes. It also has different ways of producing seeds and growing new trees.
Hybrids
Sometimes, different types of trees can mix their genes. This creates a new plant called a hybrid. Mountain beech trees are known to form hybrids with other beech species.
Mountain Beech and Black Beech
Mountain beech can create hybrids with the black beech (Nothofagus solandri var. solandri). This happens in places where both types of trees grow close together. These hybrids can sometimes form large, mixed groups of trees.
Mountain Beech and Red Beech
Mountain beech also forms a hybrid with the red beech (Nothofagus fusca). This special hybrid tree is known as Nothofagus ×blairii.
