The Argan Tree

You can’t come to Essaouira and not discovering the Argan tree and its many virtues. Since 1998, an area of 830,000 hectares between Agadir and Essaouira has the status of "biosphere reserve" provided by UNESCO to protect the argan tree. While in the region, this ancient tree will tickle your senses. We will be happy to arrange you a trip in the biosphere reserve to help you understand the many opportunities in this tree, which has become indispensable in the cosmetics industry high-end. We recommend allowing at least 1/2 day for this activity.

Crossing the argan tree is also a walk through one of the most beautiful regions of Morocco between Agadir and Essaouira. 

When you step into one of many argan cooperatives, you will discover the virtues of this tree. You will meet women who roast and produce argan oil. Cooperatives are mainly managed and operated by women. This activity allows an additional source of income for Moroccan women. These cooperatives have gained a strong reputation all over the world for their help in community.

The argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) is a plant of the Sapotaceae family. This is a tree with thorny branches 8 to 10 m high, leaves attenuated into a short petiole, very resistant and can live 150 to 200 years. It is perfectly adapted to the arid southwestern Morocco. The argan tree provides a very hard wood used mainly for firewood. The argan tree almost never loses its leaves. The white flowers in yellow are hermaphrodites, gamopetalous tube very short and gathered in clusters. They appear in late spring. Fruit, affiache, is an oval of about 30 mm long which contains a very tough nut.

Argan oil is the subject of many studies to validate its benefits in preventing cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, and given the importance of nutritional compounds endowed with antioxidant activity such as carotenes, polyphenols, vitamins A, C and E in halting the development or progression of some cancers, argan oil, by his wealth, including gamma tocopherol, may have antiproliferative effects. Indeed, experimental studies recently conducted suggest that argan oil could be of potential interest to develop new strategies for the prevention of prostate cancer.

The density and the total areas of argan trees are down. This tree is in danger so we would appreciate if you participate in any action to preserve it.