When Algeria tries to tame the emblematic tree of Morocco

The argan tree, a unique tree which produces a precious and golden oil, highly prized in cosmetics, only grows in Morocco, more precisely in the south of the kingdom. But for several years, Algeria has also been trying to plant this tree.

In Algeria, the first plantings of the argan tree took place between 2010 and 2016. Benhalima Salaouatchi, a private investor, planted 60 plants then up to 200 in El Karimia. “The first results of this crop are promising, given the flowering of the trees and the start of fruiting, while awaiting the harvest planned between July and August next year,” he confided at the time toAPS. […] The argan tree is a tree endemic to the south of the country, which has perfectly acclimatized to the microclimate of the wilaya and the different soils where it was planted.

To read: Morocco bets on the argan tree

The forestry services are also investing in the production of young plants. They also organize training and awareness days for the benefit of farmers in the region. But the argan tree will subsequently be decimated by overgrazing and drought. As early as 2015, expert Mohammed Ould Safi, co-author of a study on the issue, noted the damage linked to “drought, pollution, soil degradation, overgrazing, illegal logging and insect pests. , particularly termites.

Read: The argan tree, symbol of Morocco, endangered?

Thanks to the national planting program initiated by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the argan tree is reborn. 200,000 argan trees will be planted as part of this program. Plantations are increasing in the Tindouf region. In Msila, the forest services have planted argan trees on more than 300 hectares, notes TSA. At the same time, studies are currently being carried out on the selection of the most productive types of argan trees and the best reproduction techniques in nurseries. They will probably be able to find them on the other side of the border.