Southern Beech (Nothofagus) Flowering Seasons

Abstract

THE periodic occurrence of 'sqmast' years followed by prolific regeneration of the European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) has enabled the European forester to 'domesticate' this species to such good effect that he has produced with it some of the finest managed forests known. A similar seeding behaviour in the closely related southern beeches (Nothofagus spp.) of New Zealand is of interest because of the growing economic importance of our southern beech forests. Sawn timber from them forms a small portion of the annual cut, while timber used in the round is of considerable importance.