THE RAINFOREST JEWEL: A stunning Gondwanan relic famous for its fiery bronze, pink, and red spring foliage flushes.
Available in 140mm and 200mm sizes (60-80cm tall). Elite Tasmanian and Southern Highlands provenance.

Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii)

Price range: $39.95 through $54.95

Elite Tasmanian & Estate Reserve

Ships nationally. Direct TAS supply available. Advanced stock exported from TAS to mainland. WA/NT via Concierge.

  • Ancient Gondwanan Relic
  • Exclusive Provenance
  • Biosecurity Compliant
  • Specialist Freight

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The Jewel of the Cool-Temperate Rainforest

To own a Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) is to become the custodian of a living relic. As the evergreen keystone species of Australia’s ancient Gondwanan rainforests, this elegant tree is a masterpiece of evolution. Famous for its spectacular seasonal transformations, the new spring growth flushes in brilliant shades of bronze, pink, and fiery red before maturing to a deep, glossy green. You are acquiring a piece of natural history with a verifiable lineage of expert care. Backed by elite Tasmanian genetics and exclusive seed-grown stock from our Southern Highlands reserve, this is one of the only mainland collections of its calibre. Highly sought-after by premium bonsai artists for its fine ramification, or planted as an elegant woodland feature, it is an undeniable focal point for the true connoisseur.

Fiery spring flush — new foliage emerges in stunning shades of bronze, pink, and red before turning glossy green
Premier bonsai material — our 200mm advanced specimens feature thickened trunks, intricate lateral branching, and naturally tiny leaves
Unparalleled provenance — one of the only mainland collections grown from seed outside of Victoria, backed by elite Tasmanian genetics
Architectural grace — its elegant, layered form and delicate foliage bring ancient grace to any premium landscape

At a Glance

Pot Size: 140mm / 200mm
Est. Height: 60–80cm above the soil (Approx. 75–100cm total including pot)
Mature Size: Slow-growing; reaches 30m+ in native forests, much smaller in gardens
Growth Habit: Evergreen / Layered / Lace-like Branching
Style: Premium Bonsai / Specimen Feature / Sheltered Woodland Gardens

APPROXIMATE ACTUAL PLANT SIZE*
*Our 140mm to 200mm pots stand 60–80cm tall. Heights represent the actual living plant measured from the soil line to the top of the foliage. As these are slow-growing plants, actual dispatched sizes may slightly vary based on seasonal flushes, but all feature dense, established root systems.

Bring the ancient majesty of the cool-temperate rainforest into your own collection. When you buy a Myrtle Beech in Australia, you are securing a highly exclusive botanical treasure. The Nothofagus cunninghamii is a true Gondwanan relic and the keystone species of Australia’s cool-temperate rainforests. With its elegant, layered form and tiny, glossy, triangular leaves, it brings an ancient, architectural grace to any premium landscape.

Whether cultivated as a premier bonsai subject—where it responds exceptionally well to structural styling and leaf-reduction techniques—or grown out as an elegant woodland feature in a sheltered, misty garden, the Myrtle Beech commands attention. SVF provides an unbroken, biosecurity-compliant supply line, bringing these exquisite trees safely to the mainland.

  • Spectacular Spring Colours: Watch the canopy erupt in a fiery display of red, pink, and bronze during the spring flush before settling into a deep, glossy green.
  • Lace-Like Branching: Naturally forms elegant, tiered layers of delicate branches, offering incredible architectural structure to woodland gardens.
  • Bonsai Perfection: Its tiny, triangular leaves and high responsiveness to pruning make it one of the most rewarding native evergreen bonsai subjects.
  • Verified Heritage: Enjoy total confidence knowing your stock is backed by SVF's elite Tasmanian network and exclusive Southern Highlands seed propagation.

Design an Ancient Gondwana Garden

Pair the Myrtle Beech with these stunning survivors of the ancient southern supercontinent.
Original price was: $39.95.Current price is: $37.95.
Original price was: $89.95.Current price is: $85.45.
$39.95
Original price was: $169.85.Current price is: $163.36.
For 3 items

Trusted by Gardeners Like You

★★★★★
"The spring flush on the Myrtle Beech is absolutely breathtaking. SVF delivered a robust 200mm plant that was nearly 80cm tall. It is the highlight of my cool-climate courtyard."
— Richard M. — Rare Plant Collector, Myrtleford, (VIC)
★★★★★
"Finding Nothofagus cunninghamii with this level of trunk thickness and basal flare is rare. It is an exceptional starting point for a high-end native bonsai project."
— James P. — Bonsai Artist, Melbourne (VIC)
★★★★★
"As a keen gardener, sourcing authentic, disease-free Gondwana stock is paramount. SVF’s biosecurity compliance and mainland provenance are completely unmatched in the industry."
— Eleanor V. — Keen Cool-Climate Gardener, Blue Mountains (NSW)
Does this tree lose its leaves in winter?
No. Unlike the deciduous Patagonian Oak (Nothofagus obliqua), the Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) is an evergreen species. It retains its glossy, tiny triangular leaves year-round, making it a fantastic permanent structural feature.
How do I achieve the best spring colour?
The spectacular bronze, pink, and red colours appear exclusively on the new growth during the spring flush. Ensuring the tree is well-watered and receiving gentle, dappled morning sun will help drive a vigorous, colourful flush.
Can it handle hot summer winds?
No. The Myrtle Beech is a strict cool-temperate rainforest species. It must be protected from harsh, scorching afternoon sun and hot, dry summer winds, which will rapidly burn the delicate foliage.
Is it suitable for bonsai?
It is exceptional for bonsai. It is highly responsive to structural pruning. Regular pinching of the new growth will maintain a tight shape, reduce leaf size even further, and encourage stunningly dense foliage pads.

Detailed Description and Specs

The Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) is a true Gondwanan relic and the keystone species of Australia’s cool-temperate rainforests across Victoria and Tasmania. With its elegant, layered form and tiny, glossy, triangular leaves, it brings an ancient, architectural grace to any premium landscape.

It is an evergreen species that provides year-round interest. However, it is most famous for its stunning spring display, where new growth flushes in vivid shades of bronze, pink, and red before hardening off to a deep, dark green. Its trunk often becomes fluted with age, and its delicate, lace-like branching structure makes it a highly sought-after botanical specimen.

  • Species: Nothofagus cunninghamii (Myrtle Beech)
  • Provenance: Elite Tasmanian network & exclusive Southern Highlands seed-grown stock.
  • Growth Rate: Moderate, responding exceptionally well to pruning and structural styling.
  • Foliage: Tiny, glossy evergreen leaves that flush brilliant bronze, pink, and red in spring.
  • Best For: Premium bonsai design, sheltered woodland gardens, and rare plant collections.

Care and Planting Guide

The Myrtle Beech is an exceptionally resilient tree, provided its core rainforest requirements are strictly met.

  • Sunlight & Location: Thrives in dappled morning light or partial shade. It must be protected from harsh, scorching afternoon sun and hot, dry summer winds, which will rapidly burn the delicate foliage.
  • Soil & Drainage: Fast, efficient drainage is absolutely non-negotiable to prevent root rot. Ensure your bonsai mix or landscape soil is highly aerated, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter.
  • Watering: As a rainforest species, it demands consistent moisture. Water deeply, but ensure the soil never becomes boggy or waterlogged. Never allow the root ball to dry out completely, especially in summer.
  • Pruning & Maintenance: Highly responsive to structural pruning. Regular pinching of the new growth will maintain a tight, compact shape and encourage dense foliage pads for bonsai.

Shipping and Delivery

Standard Stock – Eastern States
Our standard 140mm and 200mm specimens are acclimatised and dispatched securely from our NSW estate via our premium plant freight network to cool-climate regions across NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, and SA.

Tasmania (TAS) – Direct Island Supply
We proudly supply our local Tasmanian customers directly from within the island, utilizing our elite grower network for fast delivery without mainland quarantine holding periods.

Advanced Export – From TAS to the Mainland
In a rare horticultural pipeline, we actively source and export large, highly advanced specimens directly from our Tasmanian growers to collectors on the mainland via specialist heavy freight.

Western Australia & Northern Territory (WA & NT)
Orders for our smaller tubestock (which must meet Express Post maximum dimensions) will be processed safely through our Plant Concierge for mandatory biosecurity treatments prior to dispatch.

Secure the Jewel of the Rainforest

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