New Zealand is home to 5 beech tree species. These broadleaf trees can be found throughout the country, but especially on the south island.
The islands of New Zealand used to be covered in native forest. Sadly, with the arrival of people much of that forest has been cut down. The two main types of native forests that now cover about 23% of the country are the podocarp/broadleaf forest and beech forest. Those beech forests are made up of 5 beech tree species.
General Facts About New Zealand’s Beech Trees
The 5 beech tree species in New Zealand are all broadleaf, evergreen trees. They are the dominant forest type in most of the south island and in parts of the north island.
The 5 species of beech trees are similar, but tend to grow in different habitats. Some grow better in colder, wetter, or drier areas.
Beech scale insects live in all species except the silver beech. They live in the bark of the trees and excrete a sugary liquid, known as honey dew. The honey dew is an excellent food source for many native and introduced species. However, a sooty black mould also lives on the honey dew. This black mould covers the bark of the tree.
5 Beech Tree Species
Hard Beech
This tree is mainly found in the lowland forest on the north island and the top of the south island. Hard beech grows up to 30 m tall, has larger leaves (for a beech tree) 2.5 – 4 cm long.
Black Beech
This tree is also mainly found in the lowland forest on the north island and the top of the south island.
Red Beech
Is generally found in river valleys and foothills. This beech grows straight and tall (up to 30 m). The leaves are up to 4 cm large. It grows up to 1,000 meters of elevation.
Silver Beech
This is the most widespread tall tree in Fiordland on the south island. It prefers higher, wetter conditions than Red Beech.
This is a very large forest tree that sometimes has buttressed roots and a spreading crown. It grows up to 30 m tall and has very small leaves (20 mm).
Mountain Beech
This grows at the highest elevations and is often the treeline in alpine areas.
Mountain beech is a shorter tree, especially at higher altitudes, growing up to 15 – 30 meters tall.