Beech Forest

Throughout the eastern valleys of the park, mountain beech usually monopolises the forest canopy from valley floor to bushline. The general distribution of mountain beech shows it to be a remarkably versatile species capable of growing from sea level to altitudes of more than 1500 metres, in both dry and boggy conditions. Mountain beech thrives on catastrophe, and is quick to regenerate after storm damage and slips.

There are some areas of silver beech in the upper poulter valley, and also mid-slope pockets of red beech. Enlarge picture below to see different beech leaves.

There is little understorey in the drier south-eastern areas of the park, but as you get closer to the divide, the beech forest becomes more complex with understoreys of small trees such as broadleaf, koromiko, tree daisies and ribbonwoods.

CHECKLIST