Common Name(s): Argan, Moroccan Ironwood

Synonym(s):

Family: Sapotaceae

Native To: Southwest Morocco

Native Habitat: Sub-tropical dry forests and valleys

Growth Habit: Small, thorny tree that can reach 8-10 meters tall

Flowering:

Distinguishing Characteristics: Dark green leaves are less than 2 cm long, simple, lanceolate, and arranged alternately. Spines occur at leaf axils. Flowers are very small, greenish-yellow, in clusters. The twisted, gnarled black trunks and splayed branches can resemble a Barberry or Firethorn, although, unlike these members of the Rose family, the Argan fruit is an oblong greenish-golden berry up to an 3 cm long. Inside the fruit’s fleshy exterior is a very hard nut containing 3 almond-like kernels.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: The Argan is a long lived species (up to 200 years) that requires little care or cultivation. According to one source, there are 20 million of the trees in southwestern Morocco. It is also cultivated in Libya, Israel and Spain.

The “Acacia-Argania Eco-region” of Africa is a maritime, sub-tropical area of west-facing valleys that extends to 800 meters in elevation in southwestern Morocco, the Canary Islands, and the NW tip of the Sahara. Soils are poor, and rainfall ranges from 39 inches per year down to half that. Temperatures have little variation due to the maritime influence, although they can be more disparate farther inland.

One germination study of Argan seeds indicated that 3 months of chilling in combination with gibberellic acid soaking can produce 95% germination. Contrary to what one might assume, there appears to be no need for acid scarification, such as would occur with passing through an animal’s stomach.

Warren Jones brought seeds of Argania spinosa to Arizona from his travels in Africa and the Mediterranean. Although several trees were installed on campus, in different microclimates, not all survived. In 1989, two trees were planted along the newly-built Cherry Avenue Garage, one each on a south and eastern exposure. Presumably both of these trees have been protected from frost and harsh exposure by the parking garage. Neither of them sustained damage from the 19 F temperatures of December 2003.

Ethnobotany: Moroccan citizens make use of the Argan tree for its rich oil which is extracted from the kernels. Reportedly high in vitamins A and E and unsaturated fatty acids, the oil is used for cooking and flavoring, and is claimed to have various medicinal properties. Because of the slow extraction process, high quality flavorful oil commands a good price on the international market.

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