the crinkled appearance of the leaf lamina. Tanglefoot forests cannot survive fire, and must re-establish from neighbouring areas. They are very sensitive to changed conditions due to their slow growth. Under of forest remain. This species is the only native deciduous tree species in Tasmania, and the only cold-climate winter-deciduous tree species in Australia. Distribution Nothofagus gunnii is endemic to the island of Tasmania, and is restricted to high altitude and relatively high rainfall areas with no recent fire activity. It was discovered at the summit of Mount Olympus in central Tasmania, and is also known at several locations within the Mount Field National Park and on Cradle Mountain. It is considered a paleoendemic species to Tasmania. Macrofossils of this species have been discovered within Oligocene sediments in Tasmania. Cultivation Nothofagus gunnii requires around 1,800 mm of rain spread throughout the year to be cultivated, cool temperatures not below -10 °C and also requires full sun. It grows in deep peaty soils. It is best grown from fresh seed collected in a 'mast' year, germinating in a few weeks. It is believed that a beneficial mycorrhyzal fungus is required for the long-term success of the plant. Cuttings can be struck, taken in late winter before bud burst. Nothofagus gunnii is rarely seen in cultivation due to its poor performance and slow growth. It is believed to be a candidate plant for bonsai. Ecology and reproduction Nothofagus gunnii exists only in alpine and sub-alpine environments on mountains within Tasmania. The species is generally limited to heights above due to the temperature and relatively short snow lie duration within the Tasmanian oceanic climate. It may live as a dominant low shrubby tree on open, generally sloping, rocky ground. N. gunnii habitation is severely limited by fire regimes as it is fire sensitive and can only survive very low intensity fires. Local extinctions of the species have been attributed to fire in the Denison Range. Despite the limited range of Nothofagus gunnii, the species is not listed as endangered. Although very few data are recorded about reproduction of F. gunnii, it may be assumed that seeds are wind dispersed and that the species are mast seeders as is displayed in similar species such as Nothofagus cunninghamii. The species is wind-pollinated. References Further reading Reid, James B.; Hill, Robert S.; Brown, Michael J.; & Hovenden, Mark J.(2005)Vegetation of Tasmania. Monotone art printers. . Heenan,