Nothofagus dombeyii

Nothofagus dombeyi, commonly known as coihue or Dombey’s beech, is one of the great evergreen forest trees of southern Chile and Argentine Patagonia. Fast-growing and long-lived, it can form impressive dense forests and develop into a majestic tree with a broad crown and elegant horizontal branching. Its small glossy leaves remain green throughout the year, while inconspicuous flowers are followed by small triangular nuts. Well suited to cool, humid climates, coihue is especially characteristic of river valleys, lake margins and high-rainfall forests.

• Common name: Coihue, Coigüe, Dombey’s beech
• Hardiness: approximately -15 °C, with established trees potentially tolerating temperatures approaching -20 °C
• Maximum height: approximately 40–45 m.
• Flowers / fruit: Yes – produces small, inconspicuous male and female flowers on the same tree, followed by small nuts grouped within a cupule.
• Type: Tree · Broadleaf · Evergreen
• Soil: prefers fertile, acidic, consistently moist but well-drained soil. It performs best where summer moisture remains available and generally dislikes strongly calcareous or heavy compacted soils.