Argan Tree (Argania spinosa)

Family: Sapotaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Argan tree or Argania spinosa is a medium-sized, spiny evergreen tree commonly grown in Southwest Morocco for its highly valuable oil. It usually grows up to 10 m high with a trunk diameter of up to 100cm. It has small and oblong leaves that occur in clusters, small flowers that are yellow green in colour, and fruits that are hard and green.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetened and served as a dip for bread at breakfast time in Berber households. — Edible portion: Nut - oil, Leaves, Fruit.; An edible oil is obtained from the seed.; The white seeds contain up to 50% of a light brown oil.; This oil is an excellent source of vitamin E, and has a high nutritional value in the human diet.

Habitat & North American Range

Slopes of rough hills, seeming to thrive between the rocks on poor soil, at elevations up to 1,500 metres. (Zone 10)