2.THE ARGAN TREE & THE ARGAN FRUIT

The Argan tree, also known as "Argania spinosa" , is native to southwest Morocco. It's among the oldest trees in Morocco, believed to be more than 500 years old. Moreover, it provides an important supply of food for humans and wildlife alike! The Argan tree is under great threat though; in particular, illegal loggers are thought to have wiped out at least 80% of the population in Morocco. The reason behind this is the alleged notion that the wood from the tree can be sold on international markets due to its high value and strength. Logging it down for firewood, however, is forbidden.

Logging has reduced the tree's population by several thousand trees since 2004, when it was estimated that there were at least 6,000 trees left in the area (source: national nature reserves). It should be noted that the tree's close relatives are found in South Africa and are also under threat. This is why the survival of the Argan tree is so important!

Argania spinosa, near Agadir, Maroc. Source Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Argania _ spinosa.jpg