65/70 D007 Australian Flora--Myrtle-beech

Myrtle-beech, also commonly called Tasmanian Myrtle, is dominant species of most Tasmanian and Victoria cool temperate rainforest. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree.

Myrtle-beech can attain heights of up to 50 m and is taller than most other rainforest species and may reach ages in excess of 500 years. Although it is not as shade tolerant as sassafras and leatherwood, it maintains its dominance in the forest by having a relatively fast growth rate, being larger and longer lived. When it dies it leaves a very large canopy gap which allows sufficient light to enable young myrtle seedlings to grow.

The species varies from a small, stunted shrub at high altitudes, in exposed situations, to a large tree in sheltered valleys, often reaching 50 metres. The leaves are small, triangular in shape with irregular minute teeth.New spring growth is red to bronze colored, developing into a glossy green leaf. As they age, the leaves become thick, stiff and develop a dark green shade.

The flowers are unisexual and inconspicuous. Female flowers grow in groups of three, just above the male flowers, which are either solitary or found occasionally in threes. These flower form clusters beside leaves near the tips of the branches. The fruit is small and woody and contains three small winged nuts. Seeds are shed in late summer to early autumn. The timber is reddish-pink and straight grained and is much used for construction and joinery.Tiger Myrtle is perhaps the rarest of the Myrtle-beech