Story: Natural environment

Beech forest, Arthur’s Pass National Park

Beech forest, Arthur’s Pass National Park

In the South Island, beech (Nothofagus) forests dominate the cooler mountain ranges from north-west Nelson to southern Fiordland. Forests such as this one are usually a mix of the four indigenous beech species (red, silver, hard, and mountain or black). Pure stands of one species are rare. As a rule, beech forests are more open and easier to walk through than the thicker podocarp–broadleaf forests.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10050031

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Natural environment - The bush and its plants', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/2676/beech-forest-arthurs-pass-national-park (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond