Beech forests in Wainuiomata thrive in the hills and higher elevations, providing vital habitat for native birds.
Numerous reserves including Wainuiomata Regional Park, Wainuiomata Scenic Reserve, and Remutaka Forest Park, contain large tracts of native beech forest. These forests are primarily found on the higher slopes and ridges of numerous parks, where they dominate over mixed podocarp-broadleaf forests found in lower areas.
The presence of beech tree species varies with elevation and soil conditions. Here’s an overview:
- Red Beech (Fuscospora fusca): Prefers deep, fertile soils in lower montane areas.
- Hard Beech (Fuscospora truncata): Thrives in drier conditions and is common at lower elevations.
- Black Beech (Fuscospora solandri): Often found on ridges and drier sites with poorer soils. Black beech is a characteristic species in the Wellington region.
- Silver Beech (Lophozonia menziesii): Typically found at higher elevations in places like the Remutaka Range, where it can dominate the forest canopy.
- Mountain Beech (Fuscospora cliffortioides): Also dominates higher elevations, forming extensive pure stands, but is less common than Silver Beech.
