Argan, Morocco iron-wood
Argania spinosa

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A medium sized thorny evergreen tree. The leaves are small, oblong and hairless. They occur in clusters. The flowers are small and yellowish-green. The flowers are on the tips of the stems. The fruit are hard and green. They are like olives. The fruit have a stone with 3 kernels.

There is only one Argania species. It is rich in Vitamin E.

Where it is found

A tropical to Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in Southwest Morocco. It suits hot harsh environments and can tolerate brackish water. It can tolerate drought. It can tolerate frost. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 100-500 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Amazon, Australia, Canary Islands, East Africa, Egypt, Europe, Haiti, Israel, Kenya, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Peru, Spain, Sudan, West Indies

How it is used for food

The kernels are very high in oil. The fruit are pressed for the oil which has an aroma and is used in cooking. The oil is cold pressed from the fruit. The oil is used like olive oil for cooking, frying and salad dressing. The paste like extract after oil extraction is mixed with honey and used for breakfast.

It is an important oil in Morocco. It is an expensive oil sold to restaurants in Europe.

Edible parts

Nuts - oil, leaves, fruit, gum

How it is grown

It is a long lived tree. Up to 1 kg of oil can be produced per tree. The nuts are ground to produce a paste and then water is added to extract the oil.

Its other names

Local names

Goat-tree

Synonyms

Argania sideroxylon Roem. et Schult. [Illegitimate]; Elaeodendron argan Retz.; Sideroxylon argan (Retz.) Baill.; Sideroxylon spinosum L.; Tekelia spinosa (L.) Scop.; Verlangia argan (Retz.) Neck. ex Raf.;