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The genus Nothofagus is represented by approximately forty
species that only occur in the Southern Hemisphere. Besides Australia, Chile and
Argentina, Nothofagus are also represented in New Zealand, New Guinea and New
Caledonia. The distribution of Nothofagus species occurred during the break up of
Gondwana, the Great Southern land. This break up was part of the Continental Drift forming
the continents of the world that we know today. Forests of Nothofagus were noted as
early as the mid- 1800's. These were sightings by Sir Joseph Hooker the botanist who
accompanied James Ross on voyages of discovery in the Southern Ocean between 1839 and
1843.
The name Nothofagus means 'false beech', however, Notofagus
meaning 'southern beech' may have been more appropriate. It has been suggested that when
the name Nothofagus was first published the 'h' was inserted inadvertently.
Keith Naylor
Records Officer |
