It was described in 1847 by R.C Gunn[2] N. gunnii is a small woody tree with a shrubby appearance known to grow up to 8 metres (26 ft).

It lives only on mountains due to temperature limitations within the Tasmanian maritime climate and mainly grows at altitudes greater than 800 metres (2,600 ft) above sea level.

[3] The species is only distantly related to genus Fagus, the beeches of the Northern Hemisphere, which are members of a different family, Fagaceae.

[5] Nothofagus gunnii is a tangled shrub or small tree which may grow up to 8 metres tall (growth habit is heavily dependent on the exposure of the site) and has a thick shrubby appearance.

The leaves are almost circular in shape with deep veins which end in the gaps between the rounded teeth on the leaf.

[citation needed] Nothofagus gunnii is rarely seen in cultivation due to its poor performance and slow growth.

[citation needed] Nothofagus gunnii exists only in alpine and sub-alpine environments on mountains within Tasmania.

The species is generally limited to heights above 800 metres (2,600 ft)[10] 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.