Fuscospora cliffortioides, syn Nothofagus cliffortioides, tawhairauriki or mountain beech is endemic to the North and South Islands. It is common from the Central Volcanic Plateau and adjacent main axial ranges of the North Island south. It is found in montane forest and subalpine forest and scrub. Often forming a dense, almost monospecific forest especially along the main North Island axial ranges and along the drier, eastern side of the South Island where it is a predominant species in alpine forest. Very close to black beech (Nothofagus solandri) from which it differs by the ovate leaves with acute to subacute apices, obscure leaf venation and by the glabrous ovary of the flower. Appears to prefer drier conditions than black beech, and has a greater altitudinal range, though it is often sympatric with black beech. Nevertheless, many botanists prefer to regard it is a variety of black beech, some even disregard it altogether preferring to treat mountain and black beech as the one species N. solandri.  It flowers from November to January with seed following from February to April. It is important because it is the main host for yellow mistletoe (Alepis flavida) and red mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala). It makes a great feature plant in the garden, and forms a spreading tree that grows up to 25m high. Hardy to frosts and tolerant of wind exposure, it grows well in wet boggy or poorly drained soils as it needs adequate moisture. It prefers to be planted in a spot that gives it filtered sunlight. Young plants are very quick growing but do best in cool climates.