Pre-dating the break up of Gondwana, the majestic Southern beech belongs to a remarkable and ecologically important group of trees in the southern hemisphere whose fossil history has provided scientists with invaluable information on plate tectonics and paleontology. These impressive species can live in excess of 500 years and are prominent players in the forests of a range of climate zones from temperate to tropical. The Southern beech is also referred to as Myrtle Beech or Tasmanian Myrtle within the timber industry, where its fine textured wood is much sought after for cabinetry. Fast growth rate.