Northofagus Antarctica (Antarctic Beech)

[gwharton]

I recently acquire a Antarctic Beech earlier this fall. I was attracted to the texture and size of the leaves, the delicacy of the existing branching and the size and taper of the trunk. The species is a native to the southern latitudes of south America. According to my research the species is very old being around when the the continents were joined together.

This particular tree was reportedly field grown in western Oregon near Corvallis.

Unfortunately I do not have a clue as to its growth habit. Does anyone out the have experience with this species.

Thanks in advance for any comment

Gary Wharton

[plantmanky]

Unfortunately I do not have a clue as to its growth habit. Does anyone out the have experience with this species.

Thanks in advance for any comment

Gary Wharton

Gary,

Nothofagus antarctica has been for the most part limited in avaliablility to the specialty nurseries of the Pacific Northwest and is found more often on the West coast of the US from Seattle to LA. It is a large shrub or small tree (30-80 feet) but most often found as a low shrub that is native to the very southern portions of Argentina and Chile in South America as far as Tierra del Fuegoas. It lives in the higher elevations in what is called the diminishing rainforests which makes it rather hardy and should be able to be grown in US growing Zones 5-6 and above in the open ground. Where it fits botanically has been changed over the years once being in the Beech family (Fagaceae), then in the Birch Family (Betulaceae) but was assigned it's own family ranking of (Nothofagaceae) in 1962.
From a bonsai perspective it should perform quite well and because of it's smaller leaves should make a quite fine small to medium sized tree. From my experience, it does back bud quite well and doesn't exhibit branch die back like that found in Birch. As it's name implys (notho - meaning false) it's roots are not as tempermental as Beech so you should have no problem with root pruning or getting a nice fine root system. Because of its shrubby nature you should also be able to ramify branches tightly with appropriate pruning during the active growing season. Repotting should probably be done every 3 years in the very early spring just as the buds begin to swell or the roots show activly growing white tips.

Hope that helps,
Randy Davis
p.s. We would love to hear and see your progress on this tree and add it to our reference libary of images when it's done

[lewisjk]

A neighbor has a large Nothofagus growing in his yard. It is 45 feet tall (at least). It has a very tall, narrow pyramidal shape; trunk is almost 2 feet at the base. It's leaves turn tan and stay on the tree all winter, much like the American beech. I'm sure it's a different species than the Antarctic species you have. There are several species in high and low elevations in the far southern hemisphere.

[gwharton]

Jim, Randy

This information confirms my suspicion on how this tree grows. Based on research and observation I expected it to behave somewhat like a hornbeam or a beech (more likely somewhere between). I have worked with both species and realize that the approach to style and care being somewhat different for each species.

This particular Nortofagus is an overgrown stump that is presently sitting under my bonsai benches covered with a layer of snow and ice. I have not taken any pictures of it yet. However, I plan to keep a photo archive of its progress as is my habit with the majority of my trees.

It does not appear to readily drop its leaves nor do all the leaves show a yellow fall color. This is a little unnerving but not totally unexpected or of great concern if it acts like either a hornbeam or beech.

I plan to pot it into an akadama pumice mix and remove a few of the unnecessary branching when the buds start to swell in the spring. After spring work it should be a little more photogenic.

This tree should be interesting to work with.

Thanks for the response

Gary Wharton

[plantmanky]

Hey Gary,

Any pic's of your Nothofagus? Would love to see how it's comming along!!!!!!

[gwharton]

i have not forgotten that I promiced to post photos of the Northofagus. I will when I get a few spare moments as this has been an unusually hectic and busy spring.

I may need instruction on how to post photos as I have not done so in the past. The procedure to post photos is not obvious to me, though I must admit that I have not attempted to figure it out.

The tree was pruned to esential branches and potted from field soil into my bonsai mix early this spring and is growing with supprising vigor.

I should have more information to share within a week or two.

[MatsuBonsai]

Bill was kind enough to write up the process involved in uploading a photo, viewtopic.php?f=20&t=9

[gwharton]

Here are a few photos of the northofagus pre bonsai. The tree was potten this spring and unnecessary branching removed, The tree is doing well so far. I will most likely start te stuling process next year, I should be a fun tree to work as a bonsai. I plan to remove the heavy branches as it gains strength,

It is planted in a 20" square training pot, I havent measure but trunk is about 8" across,

Gary

[plantmanky]

Gary,

You lucky dog!!!! such a great tree with a lovely trunk and gracefull line to it. I'm sure this will be a nice tree in about 5 or 6 years if you push it. Definately keep us up-to-date on as your design progresses. your new growth seems quite strong and vigorus which implys it's happy with the treatment your giving it. Keep up the good work and you'll be rewarded I'm sure.

R

[gwharton]

Thanks for the encouragement Randy.

It will be an adventure.

Gary