-	All photographs of Argan

Argan means olive in the bereber language. It´s well known in the area of Essaouira and it´s surroundings (alto atlas and anti-atlas, in the less frequent form on the foot of the hamada del Draa). The argan is a species that does not exist in any other area of Morocco, and according to the natives, in no other place in the world.

The argan, has it´s origins from our land. Around this vegetable species a rich and lovely popular culture has risen, with many different rituals and symbols.

Thanks to it´s vitality, the argan tree, is the richness in the dry areas.

The argan forests are light, they grow in arrid climated with frequent clouds and never surpass 1,500 meters in altitude.

In between the branches of the argan live squirrels who eat these fruits. The Berberia squirrel is also called Anzet or Anzid in the amasig (bereber) language.

The shape of the nut is similar to that of an olive. From the almonds a rich oil is extracted and frequently used in moroccon cooking, cooked or in it´s pure form. It´s taste is orangy and it has a sweet aroma. You need 100kg of these fruits to make 1 liter of oil.

According to popular belief it possesses curative and homeopathic powers.