This bibliometric analysis aims to provide an overview of current scientific knowledge on the argan tree. Using four keywords (arganeraie, arganier, Argania spinosa, and oil), combined with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), the Web of Science and Scopus databases were explored. The study period was limited to 1992–2024, as publications prior to 1992 were too few to be meaningful.
More specifically, the analysis focuses on the entire body of scientific literature related to argan oil—whether its nutritional, cosmetic, or medicinal uses—as well as on the biology, ecology, and conservation issues surrounding the argan tree. It also covers the applications of remote sensing for mapping and monitoring the spatio-temporal dynamics of argan woodlands. The ultimate goal is to highlight existing sustainable management practices and identify the main challenges ahead.
The quantitative analysis of scientific output was carried out using the Bibliometrix software package and its Biblioshiny interface, powerful tools based on the R language that enable the examination of a research field’s structure, evolution, and dynamics through advanced network analysis and visualization methods. The construction and representation of networks (keyword co-occurrence, author collaboration, co-citations, citations) were performed with the VOSviewer software.
The first stage of the analysis focused on the scientific literature devoted to argan oil. Between 1992 and May 2024, six hundred contributions were recorded. Examination of the co-occurrence of the 2,678 keywords from this corpus reveals three thematic clusters that are strongly interconnected.
The first group (16 items) concerns the effects of argan oil on health and includes notions such as “phenolic compounds” and “oxidative stress.” The second group (also 16 items) relates to the assessment of oil quality and its health implications, featuring keywords such as “adulteration” and “tocopherol.” The third group (11 items) refers to the botanical characteristics of the argan tree and its ecological role in Morocco.
The analysis of six hundred publications highlights a marked increase in scientific output starting in 2009, as well as the diversity of contributors, research hubs, and collaboration networks. Unsurprisingly, Morocco—where the argan tree is an endemic species—holds the leading position in this field. Moroccan institutions also maintain numerous partnerships with French and German establishments.
The second phase of the analysis focuses on studies dedicated to the ecology and physiology of the argan tree. Between 1992 and 2024, three hundred and ninety contributions were recorded. Examination of the co-occurrence network of the 134 most frequently used keywords in this literature reveals seven major research themes: the biochemical, molecular, and biological properties of argan compounds; ecological, physiological, and conservation-related dimensions; ecology, management, and uses; physiological responses to abiotic stress; growth and development; genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology; as well as environmental processes and management strategies.
In recent years, the integration of advanced remote-sensing and machine-learning techniques, relying on multi-source satellite imagery, has significantly improved the mapping and monitoring of argan woodlands, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of this forest ecosystem.
Réf. El Moussaoui EH., Moumni A., Khabba S. et al., 2025 Bibliometric and review analysis of argan trees studies: global research trends and challenges. Agroforest Syst, 99:132 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-025-01228-2
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.
The study presents new data on the occurrences of species of the genus Oenothera in Morocco, highlighting the identification challenges due to the strong morphological resemblance between taxa. For the first time, Oenothera laciniata is reported in the country, while the presence of Oenothera indecora and Oenothera drummondii is confirmed in the provinces of Kénitra and Tétouan, respectively. It is noteworthy that the latter species had previously been confused with Oenothera biennis. These three taxa of American origin, rare in Morocco, have been observed in coastal sandy habitats. Furthermore, it is shown that Oenothera lindheimeri, a species cultivated for ornamental purposes, occasionally escapes from cultivation areas. To facilitate accurate identification, this article provides detailed morphological descriptions, accompanied by illustrations, a comparison with related species, and an updated dichotomous key for the genus Oenothera in Morocco.
Réf. Homrani Bakali A. & Khamar H., 2025 New records and floristic notes on the genus Oenothera (Onagraceae) in Morocco. – Botanica, 31(4): 142–154. https://doi.org/10.35513/Botlit.2025.4.1
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.
This study addresses the systematic position of Nepeta nepetoides within the family Lamiaceae. To clarify its phylogenetic placement, molecular analyses were performed using several markers representing different genomic compartments: four chloroplast DNA markers (ycf1, the spacers ycf1–rps15, trnL–trnF, and rpl32–trnL), two nuclear ribosomal DNA markers (ITS and ETS), and a low-copy nuclear gene (PPR-AT3G09060). These markers, commonly employed in phylogenetic investigations of vascular plants, are particularly informative for resolving relationships among closely related species and genera.
The results derived from the three datasets are fully congruent: the four analyzed populations of Nepeta nepetoides form a well-supported, distinct clade that is sister to other members of the subtribe Menthinae, rather than to those of the Nepetinae. Consequently, this species should no longer be retained within the genus Nepeta but must be transferred to the genus Pitardia.
Pitardia can be distinguished from Nepeta by several diagnostic morphological traits: the presence of two stamens and the absence of staminodes (four stamens in Nepeta), a calyx tube with 10 veins (typically 15 [13–17] in Nepeta), and a convex, entire median lobe of the lower corolla lip (usually crenate in Nepeta).
Pitardia nepetoides Batt. ex Pit. is hereby reinstated, its lectotype is designated, and Pitardia caerulescens Maire and Pitardia gracilis Andr. are treated as synonyms.Ref. Homrani Bakali A., Dirmenci T., Celep F. & Drew B.T., 2025 - Pitardia resurrected: A new member of subtribe Menthinae (Lamiaceae). Taxon, https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.70053
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.
From a phylogenetic perspective, Euphorbia balsamifera, found in the arid regions of northwestern Africa and the Canary Islands, is closely related to Euphorbia adenensis, which originates from the Eritrea-Arabia region. These two species share a common ancestor that likely emerged several million years ago.
Molecular data suggest that the divergence between E. balsamifera and E. adenensis occurred during the Pliocene, a period spanning approximately 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago. This era coincides with a major episode of climate aridification in the subtropical regions of the Old World, leading to the fragmentation of forest habitats in favor of more open and arid landscapes. These new environmental conditions likely facilitated a rapid adaptive radiation of the ancestral group, meaning the emergence of several lineages specialized for arid habitats.
In this context, E. balsamifera is thought to have colonized the Canary Islands from northwestern Africa. This colonization may be explained by the "surfing syngameon" mechanism—an evolutionary hypothesis in which a flexible gene pool (or syngameon) "surfs" waves of dispersal into new territories while maintaining sufficient genetic diversity to allow rapid adaptation to novel environments.
Computer models using convolutional neural networks (a form of artificial intelligence) suggest that E. balsamifera first settled on the eastern islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura), before migrating westward (Tenerife, Gran Canaria).
Contrary to what one might assume, the populations in North Africa are not remnants of an ancestral continental population. Instead, they result from migratory events originating from the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. These back-colonization events likely occurred during the Middle Pleistocene, although this still requires confirmation.
This finding challenges the notion that islands merely "receive" genetic diversity from the continent. In this case, the Canary Islands actually generated new genetic diversity that subsequently spread back to the African mainland.
Ref. : Rincón-Barrado M., Villaverde T., Perez M.F., Sanmartín I. & Riina R., 2024 - The sweet tabaiba or there and back again: phylogeographical history of the Macaronesian Euphorbia balsamifera. Annals of Botany 133 : 883–903. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcae001, available online at www.academic.oup.com/aob
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.
This publication presents a synthesis of research studies focusing on the various methods of argan tree (Sideroxylon spinosum L.) propagation. It is based on the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), which is recognized for structuring and enhancing the transparency of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
The literature search was conducted using the same keywords in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, selecting publications in English and French published between 2000 and 2024. Using the PRISMA method, 55 articles were selected, the majority of which (36) originate from Morocco, the native country of the argan tree.
The bibliometric analysis, performed using the VOSviewer software, enabled the visualization of links between the main keywords related to argan tree research. This map highlights the central position of germination, around which micropropagation, seed sowing, in vitro culture, and vegetative propagation are organized.
The discussion compares the different techniques: seed germination, which has a low success rate, is contrasted with the advantages of cutting and grafting, which allow for rapid rooting and greater genetic stability. In vitro micropropagation also appears to be a promising method, although it requires strict acclimatization conditions.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of combining traditional methods with modern biotechnological approaches to ensure the reproduction and sustainable conservation of this emblematic species.
Ref. : Tesse R., Boutaleb F., Bahlaouan B., Brett-Crowther M., El Antri S., & Boutaleb N., 2025 - Micrografting and Other Regeneration Techniques for the Argan Tree (Argania spinosa): A PRISMA-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Natural Built Social Environment Health 1(3). DOI :10.63095/NBSEH.25.180342
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.
Last modified on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 15h37.