seeds of Argania spinosa, Argan, Argania sideroxylon

Argania spinosa, also called Argania, is a plant species belonging to the family Sapotaceae. The plant’s synonyms include Argania sideroxylon and Sideroxylon Spinosum. Argania spinosa is originally from the Sous valley located in South-western Morocco. The growth of the species is widespread in the Sous valley. Extensive cultivation of the tree also takes place in the Arabah and Negev regions of Israel. Argania spinosa can reach a maximum height of between 8 and 10 metres. The plant has a thorny bole and an extensive crest. The leaves are ovate and round-shaped at the apex. Each leaf has a length of 2 to 4 cm. Flowers are small, yellowish-green, and yield fruits that have a length of 2 to 4 cm. The fruit contains a hard nut with a layer of pulp over it. Fruits take not less than a year to mature. Argania spinosa usually serves as a capable substitute for the olive tree given it provides most of what the latter can. The people of Morocco rely on the plant to provide wood which is used for construction and for making furniture and fence posts. The plant also provides fodder which is an ideal supplement for livestock’s diet. Argania spinosa is a rich source of an oil extract called Argan Oil. Argan oil is a great addition to salads and serves as an agreeable dip for bread. Many European companies seek argan oil to use it in the manufacture of cosmetics. Moroccans extract the argan oil from seeds through roasting and grinding the seeds. Once the fruit’s maturation period is over, the plant’s black fruits drop on the ground which signals they’re ripe. Argania spinosa is a hardy plant that can cope with extreme heat and low moisture levels in the soil. The tree has a lifespan that can exceed 200 years.