Author:
Jan Scholten
Book:
Qjurious
Type:
Info
Chapter:
3-664.44.11
Argania spinosa
Name: Syderoxylon spinosum; Argan argan tree.
English: Skeels.
Use: edible oil, Morocco.
Botany
In the Tertiary, that is 80 million years ago, the argan tree was probably widespread throughout North Africa and Southern Europe, today the tree is a relic of a bygone era, and only grows in Morocco and the Atlas up to 1,300 meters. Is old to 400 years. Withstands extreme drought and high temperatures up to about 50° C. Also, " Ironwood " because of his hard wood. The fruit contains up to three cores, each slightly larger than a hazelnut, and its shell is extremely hard. In each core lies a seed, about the size of a sunflower seed. The Berbers press the oil from the seeds. Goats love to climb trees and fruits.