ARGAN TREE --Argania spinosa--

sideroxylon spinosumThought to be a living fossil in its natural distribution area in southern Morocco, western Algeria, northern Western Sahara and northern Mauritania where it still forms sizeable forests on arid lands, the Argan Tree dates back 80 million years in northern Africa and once covered vast areas. It grows into a small, thorny tree to about 10 m tall with small foliage and olive-like fruits that are traditionally used to produce a highly prized gourmet oil with a walnut-like flavor. It also makes a robust and very drought tolerant ornamental for warm temperate and dry tropical regions.Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Full sun from early ageLight shade when youngFrost Tolerance ModerateWater Requirements LowDrought Tolerance YesWind Tolerance HighAppearanceGrowth Rate ModerateGrowth Form Small TreeOrnamental Value PrettyUsesProperties EvergreenHazards SpinyGardening LandscapingOrnamentalFood/Medicinal Edible Oil