From the family Nothofagaceae, genus Nothofagus, sub genera Nothofagus, Fuscospora, Lophozonia, Brassospora (Trisyngyne). Ancient Gondwana lineage, found now primarily in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Caledonia, New Guinea and New Zealand. Fossil records indicate presence in Antarctica until as late as 3 million years ago.