Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ANATOMICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON YOUNG TWIGS OF ARGANIA SPINOSA (L.) SKEELS

Kadda Hachem, Amine Habib Borsali, Samia Ghomari and Meriem Kaid-Harche

Abstract

Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is a tree species endemic to the forests of southwestern Algeria. It is perfectly suited to arid and semi-arid climates. It is of great socioeconomic and ecological importance and serves multiple purposes. The anatomy, histology, and histochemistry of the twigs of the Argan tree resemble those of other woody dicotyledonous species. However, the secretory channels and cells isolated in the parenchyma of its supporting, conductive, and pith tissues have undergone parietal lignification. Moreover, it has a functional phellogen in its external cortical zone and cambium, which apparently remains active all year long.