About Nothofagus betuloides (Mirb.) Oerst.
Nothofagus betuloides (Mirb.) Oerst. is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 30 m (98 ft) tall, with an open, spreading branching structure. In its native Patagonian habitat, it tolerates cold winters and grows best in cool conditions without high heat, but cannot survive persistent freezing. In exposed locations across its southern coastal and Andean range, this species grows as a shrub shaped by constant wind. Also commonly called Magellan's beech, this species is very long-lived, with individual specimens reaching 500 to 600 years of age. This species grows from southern Chile and southern Argentina starting at 40°S, all the way south to Tierra del Fuego at 56°S. It occurs from sea level up to 500 m (1,600 ft) above mean sea level. In 2019, one specimen growing near the southeastern corner of Hornos Island at Cape Horn was confirmed to be the southernmost tree in the world. Nothofagus betuloides has been successfully cultivated in Scotland and the Faroe Islands, where it grows well. Trees planted in the Faroe Islands that were imported directly from the species' southernmost range in Tierra del Fuego have proven to be very hardy. Its wood has a slight luster, fine texture, and straight grain. Growth rings are not clearly visible, and the heartwood ranges in color from light pink to reddish-brown. This wood is used for furniture and construction.
