This review adopts a transhemispheric comparison to analyse common characteristics and deviating features of two widespread temperate forest ecosystems and tree species. Large areas of Nothofagus forests in the south of the South American continent have developed after anthropogenic massive fires from the beginning of the last century onwards. The Nothofagus forests that developed after the fires have been only moderately or indirectly been influenced by humans. In contrast, most Central European beech forests are managed more or less intensively. Here, we review the literature on the ecology of Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirb.) Ørst in the Southern Hemisphere and compare it with Fagus sylvatica L. in the Northern Hemisphere—two tree species that can attain high dominance in temperate forest ecosystems. Compared to F. sylvatica, N. dombeyi appears to be more light-demanding at juvenile age, but is probably more winter-frost sensitive when mature, which can be attributed to the milder winters in their Patagonian range of occurrence. In contrast to F. sylvatica, which is a typical climax tree species, N. dombeyi is best considered a para-climax species that is well adapted to climate oscillations and is dependent on recurring disturbances. The new term ‘perturbophyte’ is introduced to address this behaviour. Based on the comparison of Central European beech forests and North Patagonian southern beech forests, we derive management recommendations which may help to achieve international sustainable forest management goals.