The argan tree (Argania Spinosa) is an oleaginous tree, which only exists in Morocco. It lives from 150 to 200 years and represents the second forest essence in Morocco. The argan tree forest has got 20 million trees and is spread over 800,000 ha.

The arganier is a „multi-purpose“ tree. Every part can be used and represents a source of income. The wood is used to make fire and carpentry; the leaves and pulp as food for the cattle.

The argan tree forest offers jobs for more than 3 million people, thus stabilising rural populations and limiting rural exodus (20 million working days p.a.).

The argan tree has a fundamental role in the ecological balance. It maintains soils with its roots, insures their fertility and protects them from the erosion which threatens a vast part of the land.

Although the argan tree is a source of income, a regression of the argan tree forest has been registered for the past few years. Nearly half of the forest has disappeared and 600 ha. are lost every year. This regression is essentially due to the human influence on nature.

 

Top