tāwhai raunui

Fuscospora fusca | red beech, tāwhairaunui

Red beech is a striking New Zealand native tree with a narrow, pyramidal form.  Its small, oval leaves often turn a reddish hue in winter, particularly when young. A versatile tree, it is well-suited for shaping into a tall, formal hedge and as a specimen tree. This plant exhibits rapid initial growth and yields strong, durable red timber. For optimal growth, it requires a cool, moist, sheltered location with deep, well-drained soil. It is also a hardy species.

lowland forest

montane forest 

well drained

full shade

partial shade

height | 40m

width | 5m / 2m (trunk)

flowering | September - December

fruiting |  November - March

Beech trees typically seed every 4-5 years, but a cool summer followed by a warm one can trigger widespread flowering and seeding (masting).