NOTHOFAGUS cunninghamii. Myrtle beech. Tasmania. The nothofagus are essentially the beeches and oaks of the Southern Hemisphere. Many are large forest trees with attractive branch scaffolds and beautiful leaves, sometimes deciduous and coloring in the fall. N. cunninghamii is one of the evergreen species, sometimes growing over 100' tall in the wild but usually much less in cultivation. As a young plant, it looks much like Azara microphylla, with its graceful, slender stems and closely set, deep green ½" leaves. Later it develops substantial upright trunks, with arching and spreading branches. The small red seed capsules on mature trees are also mildly ornamental. Since it responds well to pruning and is easily shaped and restrained, it is hard to imagine a prettier tree for at least larger gardens. It thrives in sun or light shade, with most non-alkaline soils and moderate to regular watering. I suspect that it will not perform well in high, dry summer heat. Probably hardy to around 15oF.