<i>Nothofagus</i> in Australia and New Zealand

Summary Nothofagus species are forest dominants in both Australia and New Zealand. Five species are native to New Zealand, and all are widespread and common. The three Australian species are less common and are restricted to cool, mesic areas in that mainly hot, arid and fire prone continent. In both regions, Nothofagus species have a deep history and important current roles in ecosystems and societies. In many ways these histories and roles run parallel in these two areas and also in South America. The main differences are that the genus is less common in Australia than in either New Zealand or South America, and the Australian and New Zealand species are less strongly associated with disturbance than those of South America.