Study of the floristic diversity of the Maamora cork oak forest in northwest Morocco
Article Main
Abstract
The Maamora forest, located in northwest Morocco, is one of the largest continuous cork oak forests in the Mediterranean basin. Since the last comprehensive floristic survey in 2005, the forest has been highly affected by human activities and climate change, making an updated list of its plant diversity both timely and necessary. This study aimed to renew the knowledge of the floristic composition of the forest and assess its actual ecological context. During 95 days of fieldwork between 2021 and 2023, a systematic sampling was conducted across 57 representative sites within the natural cork oak zone. The survey documented 171 species and subspecies, distributed across 132 genera and 38 families, with 64 taxa recently reported in the Maamora. The most represented families were Asteraceae (26 species), Fabaceae (23 species), Poaceae (19 species), and Caryophyllaceae (13 species). The life-form spectrum was dominated by therophytes (60.82%), followed by geophytes (16.37%) and hemicryptophytes (10.53%). A total of 22 endemic species were recorded, including 9 strictly endemic to Morocco. Although most species (84%) were found not to be concerned by the IUCN red list, 41% of the endemic taxa were classified as threatened. This updated inventory highlights ongoing ecological changes in the Maamora forest and provides a valuable reference for future conservation strategies and sustainable forest management in the region.
Article Details
Article Details
Keywords
Checklist, Conservation, Cork oak forest, Ecology, Plant diversity
References
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Aafi, A., Achhal El Kadmiri, A., Benabid, A. & Rochdi, M. (2005). Floristic richness and diversity of the Mamora cork oak forest (Morocco). Acta Botanica Malacitana, 30, 127–138. https://doi.org/10.24310/abm.v30i0.7187
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Barry J.P. & Celles J.C. (1991). Flora of Mauritania. Higher Institute of Sciences, Nouakchott, and Sophia-Antipolis University, Nice, Tome I & II, 550 p.
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Belahbib, N., Pemonge, M. H., Ouassou, A., Sbay, H., Kremer, A. And Petit, R. J. (2001). Frequent cytoplasmic exchanges between oak species that are not closely related: Quercus suber and Q. ilex in Morocco. Molecular Ecology, 10(8), 2003–2012. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0962-1083.2001.01330.x
Belghazi, B., Badouzi, M., Belghazi, T. & Moujjan, S. (2011). Seedlings and plantations in the Maamora cork oak forest (Morocco). Forêt méditerranéenne, t. XXXII, n° 3, 301–314.
Benabid, A. (2000). Flora and ecosystems of Morocco: assessment and preservation of biodiversity. Éditions Ibis, Paris. 359 p.
Berrichi, H. (2018). Ecological challenges in the cantons of the Maamora cork oak forest. Revue Marocaine de Gestion des Ressources Naturelles, 5(3), 45-60.
Bouahim, S., Fennane, M. & Ibn Tattou, M. (2010). Contribution to the study of Morocco's adventitious flora: elements for a catalog. Travaux de l’Institut Scientifique, Série Botanique, 40, 31–46.
Bourrouilh, R. (1973). Geological study of the Atlantic plains of Morocco: Sebou and Maamora basins. Doctoral thesis, University of Bordeaux.
Challi, D., Abdelilah, J., Jdi, E. H., Dahmani, J. & Belahbib, N. (2024). Floristic Diversity of the Wetland, Sidi Boughaba Biological Reserve, Kénitra, Morocc In: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Vol. 930 LNNS, pp. 127–148). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54318-0_12
Chriqui, A., Benkhnigue, O., El Khadir, I., Mouniane, Y., Alaoui, S.M.H., Zidane, L. & Hmouni, D. (2024). Floristic Diversity and Potential of Site of Biological and Ecological Interest Brikcha, Prérif (North-West Morocco). Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 72(3-4), 99-128. doi: 10.11118/actaun.2024.008
Dahmani, J. (1994). Contribution to the study of artificial regeneration of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) in the Temara forest. D.E.S. Hassan II University, Ain Chock, Casablanca, 128 p.
El Boukhari, M., Brhadda, N. & Gmira, N. (2015). Updated assessment and factors involved in the success of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) reforestation in the Maamora forest, Morocco. Geo-Eco-Trop, 38(2), 325–338.
El Boukhari, M., Brhadda, N. & Gmira, N. (2016). Contribution to the study of artificial regeneration of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) about the mineral content of leaves and the physicochemical parameters of soils in Maamora (Morocco). Nature Technologie. environmental science, C, 26–39.
Elaidi, H., Benkhnigue, O., Jbilou, A., Boudik, S., Belahbib, N., Zidane, L. & Dahmani, J. (2024). A Review of the Endemic Plants of Asteraceae Family in Morocco: Use the Artificial Intelligence for the Conservation In: International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Development (AI2SD'2023). AI2SD 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 930. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54318-0_2
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Hooker, j. D. (1852). Flora Novae-Zelandiae, vol. 1. Reeve, London, UK, 627 p.
Ibn Tattou M. & Fennane M. (1989). Historical overview and current state of knowledge on the vascular flora of Morocco. Bull. Inst. Sci. Rabat, 13, 85-94
INFOCLIMAT. (2024). Normales et records météorologiques. Retrieved November 21, 2024, https://www.infoclimat.fr/climatologie.
IPNI. (2025). International Plant Names Index. Retrieved January 08, 2025, https://www.ipni.org/
Jbilou, A., Benkhnigue, O., Elaidi, H., Magri, N., Zidane, L. Dahmani, J. & Belahbib, N. (2025a).Contribution to a Comparative Study of the Floristic Composition of the Maamora Cork Oak Forest (Morocco). In: Ezziyyani, M., Kacprzyk, J., Balas, V.E. (eds) International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Development (AI2SD 2024). AI2SD 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1402. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-91334-1_12
Jbilou, A., Benkhnigue, O., Elaidi, H., Zidane, L., Dahmani, J. & Belahbib, N. (2023). Cotula australis Hook.f. (Asteraceae), a species newly introduced in Morocco. Check List, 19(5), 661–668. https://doi.org/10.15560/19.5.661
Jbilou, A., Benkhnigue, O., Elaidi, H., Zidane, L., Dahmani, J., & Belahbib, N. (2025b). Parietaria officinalis (Urticaceae) a new addition to the alien flora of Morocco. Acta Botanica Malacitana, 50, 21820. https://doi.org/10.24310/abm.50.2025.21820
Jongman, R. H. G., Braak, C. J. F. T. & Tongeren, O. F. R. Van. (1995). Data Analysis in Community and Landscape Ecology. Data Analysis in Community and Landscape Ecology. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511525575
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Kent, M. & Coker, P. (2012). Vegetation Description and Data Analysis: A practical approach. Wiley-Black Well, Oxford, Reino Unido. 2a. Edició, 428.
Lepoutre, B. (1965). Artificial regeneration of cork oak and climate balance in the Maamora forest's cork oak grove. Annale de la Recherche Forestière, Maroc.
Maire, R. (1952–1987). Flora of North Africa (Maroc, Algerie, Tunisie, Tripolitaine, Cyrenaique et Sahara). Le Chevalier, Paris, vol: 1–16.
Melloul, M. & Zhar, A. (2017). Reforestation projects in the cantons of the Maamora cork oak forest: Case study of canton C. Annales de l’Institut National de la Recherche Forestière, 12(2), 20-29.
POWO. (2024). Plant of the World Online. Retrieved January 09, 2025, https://powo.science.kew.org/
Quézel, P. & Santa, S. (1962). New Flora of Algeria and Southern Desert Regions. Volume I. Published by the National Center for Scientific Research, Paris, France, 565 pp.
Quézel P, & Santa S. (1963). New Flora of Algeria and Southern Desert Regions. Volume II. Published by the National Center for Scientific Research, Paris, France, 494 pp.
Quézel, P. & Médail, F. (2003). Ecology and biogeography of Mediterranean forests. Springer.
Rankou, H., Culham, A., Jury, S. L. & Christenhusz, M. J. M. (2013). The endemic flora of Morocco. Phytotaxa, 78(1), 1–69. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.78.1.1
Raunkiaer, C. (1934). The life forms of plants and statistical plant geography. Clarendon Press.
Reille, M. (1977). Quelques aspects de l'activité humaine en Corse durant le Subatlantique et des conséquences sur la végétation. Supplément au Bulletin de l'AFEQ, 47, 329-342.
Sauvage, C. H. (1961). Flore des suberaies marocaines (Catalogues des Cryptogames vasculaires et des phanérogames). Travaux de l’Institut Scientifique Chérifien, série botanique n°22, Rabat.
Valdés, B., Rejdali, M., El Kadmiri, A., Jury, S. L., Montserrat, J. M. (2002). Catalogue annoté des plantes vasculaires du Nord du Maroc. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. Madrid, vol 1 & 2, 1040 p.
WFO. (2024). Snapshots of taxonomy. Retrieved November 21, 2024, https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list
Aafi, A., Achhal El Kadmiri, A., Benabid, A. & Rochdi, M. (2005). Floristic richness and diversity of the Mamora cork oak forest (Morocco). Acta Botanica Malacitana, 30, 127–138. https://doi.org/10.24310/abm.v30i0.7187
Aronson, J., Pereira, J. S. & Pausas, J. G. (2009). Cork oak woodlands on the edge: Ecology, adaptive management, and restoration. Island Press.
Barry J.P. & Celles J.C. (1991). Flora of Mauritania. Higher Institute of Sciences, Nouakchott, and Sophia-Antipolis University, Nice, Tome I & II, 550 p.
Belahbib, N., Ouassou, A., Dahmani, J. & Douira, A. (2004). Contribution to the study of genetic introgression between Quercus suber L and Q. rotundifolia (Lamk.) Trabut in Morocco using microsatellite markers. Bulletin de l'Institut Scientifique, Rabat, life science section, 2004-2005, n°26-27, 31-34.
Belahbib, N., Pemonge, M. H., Ouassou, A., Sbay, H., Kremer, A. And Petit, R. J. (2001). Frequent cytoplasmic exchanges between oak species that are not closely related: Quercus suber and Q. ilex in Morocco. Molecular Ecology, 10(8), 2003–2012. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0962-1083.2001.01330.x
Belghazi, B., Badouzi, M., Belghazi, T. & Moujjan, S. (2011). Seedlings and plantations in the Maamora cork oak forest (Morocco). Forêt méditerranéenne, t. XXXII, n° 3, 301–314.
Benabid, A. (2000). Flora and ecosystems of Morocco: assessment and preservation of biodiversity. Éditions Ibis, Paris. 359 p.
Berrichi, H. (2018). Ecological challenges in the cantons of the Maamora cork oak forest. Revue Marocaine de Gestion des Ressources Naturelles, 5(3), 45-60.
Bouahim, S., Fennane, M. & Ibn Tattou, M. (2010). Contribution to the study of Morocco's adventitious flora: elements for a catalog. Travaux de l’Institut Scientifique, Série Botanique, 40, 31–46.
Bourrouilh, R. (1973). Geological study of the Atlantic plains of Morocco: Sebou and Maamora basins. Doctoral thesis, University of Bordeaux.
Challi, D., Abdelilah, J., Jdi, E. H., Dahmani, J. & Belahbib, N. (2024). Floristic Diversity of the Wetland, Sidi Boughaba Biological Reserve, Kénitra, Morocc In: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Vol. 930 LNNS, pp. 127–148). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54318-0_12
Chriqui, A., Benkhnigue, O., El Khadir, I., Mouniane, Y., Alaoui, S.M.H., Zidane, L. & Hmouni, D. (2024). Floristic Diversity and Potential of Site of Biological and Ecological Interest Brikcha, Prérif (North-West Morocco). Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 72(3-4), 99-128. doi: 10.11118/actaun.2024.008
Dahmani, J. (1994). Contribution to the study of artificial regeneration of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) in the Temara forest. D.E.S. Hassan II University, Ain Chock, Casablanca, 128 p.
El Boukhari, M., Brhadda, N. & Gmira, N. (2015). Updated assessment and factors involved in the success of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) reforestation in the Maamora forest, Morocco. Geo-Eco-Trop, 38(2), 325–338.
El Boukhari, M., Brhadda, N. & Gmira, N. (2016). Contribution to the study of artificial regeneration of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) about the mineral content of leaves and the physicochemical parameters of soils in Maamora (Morocco). Nature Technologie. environmental science, C, 26–39.
Elaidi, H., Benkhnigue, O., Jbilou, A., Boudik, S., Belahbib, N., Zidane, L. & Dahmani, J. (2024). A Review of the Endemic Plants of Asteraceae Family in Morocco: Use the Artificial Intelligence for the Conservation In: International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Development (AI2SD'2023). AI2SD 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 930. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54318-0_2
Fennane, M. & Ibn Tattou, M. (2012). Statistics and comments on the current inventory of vascular flora in Morocco. Bulletin de l’Institut Scientifique, Life Science section, 34.
Fennane, M. & Ibn Tattou, M. (1998). Catalog of endemic, rare, or endangered plants in Morocco. Bocconea 8: 1-243.
Fennane, M. (2021). Red Book of the Vascular Flora of Morocco.Travaux de l’Institut Scientifique, Série Botanique, special N, Scientific Institut , Rabat.
Fennane, M., Ibn Tattou, M. & El Oualidi, J. (2014). Flora of Morocco, Vol 3. Travaux Institut Scientifique, Rabat, Maroc.
Fennane, M., Ibn Tattou, M., Mathez., J, Ouyahya, A. & El Oualidi, J. (2007). Flora of Morocco, Vol 2. Travaux Institut Scientifique, Rabat, Morocco.
Fennane, M., Ibn Tattou, M. I., Mathez, J., Ouyahya, A. & El Oualidi, J. (1999). Flora of Morocco, Vol 1. Travaux Institut Scientifique, Rabat, Morocco.
GBIF(2024). Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved November 28, 2024, https://www.gbif.org/fr/
GOOGLE (2025). Google Maps directions from Paris to Lyon. Retrieved January 30, 2025, https://www.google.com/maps
GPS ESSENTIALS (2025). Complete GPS tool for Android. Retrieved January 30, 2025, https://www.gpsess entials.com/
Grime, J. P. (2001). Plant Strategies, Vegetation Processes, and Ecosystem Properties. Wiley. New York. ISBN 0-471-49601-4, 417 pp.
Haut-Commissariat Au Plan (HCP). (2022). Population statistics for the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. Retrieved August 04, 2025, https://www.hcp.ma/Population-legale-du-Royaume-du-Maroc-repartie-par-regions-provinces-et-prefectures-et-communes-selon-les-resultats-du_a3974.html
Hooker, j. D. (1852). Flora Novae-Zelandiae, vol. 1. Reeve, London, UK, 627 p.
Ibn Tattou M. & Fennane M. (1989). Historical overview and current state of knowledge on the vascular flora of Morocco. Bull. Inst. Sci. Rabat, 13, 85-94
INFOCLIMAT. (2024). Normales et records météorologiques. Retrieved November 21, 2024, https://www.infoclimat.fr/climatologie.
IPNI. (2025). International Plant Names Index. Retrieved January 08, 2025, https://www.ipni.org/
Jbilou, A., Benkhnigue, O., Elaidi, H., Magri, N., Zidane, L. Dahmani, J. & Belahbib, N. (2025a).Contribution to a Comparative Study of the Floristic Composition of the Maamora Cork Oak Forest (Morocco). In: Ezziyyani, M., Kacprzyk, J., Balas, V.E. (eds) International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Development (AI2SD 2024). AI2SD 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1402. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-91334-1_12
Jbilou, A., Benkhnigue, O., Elaidi, H., Zidane, L., Dahmani, J. & Belahbib, N. (2023). Cotula australis Hook.f. (Asteraceae), a species newly introduced in Morocco. Check List, 19(5), 661–668. https://doi.org/10.15560/19.5.661
Jbilou, A., Benkhnigue, O., Elaidi, H., Zidane, L., Dahmani, J., & Belahbib, N. (2025b). Parietaria officinalis (Urticaceae) a new addition to the alien flora of Morocco. Acta Botanica Malacitana, 50, 21820. https://doi.org/10.24310/abm.50.2025.21820
Jongman, R. H. G., Braak, C. J. F. T. & Tongeren, O. F. R. Van. (1995). Data Analysis in Community and Landscape Ecology. Data Analysis in Community and Landscape Ecology. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511525575
JSTOR. (2024). World herbarium reference. Retrieved December 02, 2024, https://www.jstor.org/
Kent, M. & Coker, P. (2012). Vegetation Description and Data Analysis: A practical approach. Wiley-Black Well, Oxford, Reino Unido. 2a. Edició, 428.
Lepoutre, B. (1965). Artificial regeneration of cork oak and climate balance in the Maamora forest's cork oak grove. Annale de la Recherche Forestière, Maroc.
Maire, R. (1952–1987). Flora of North Africa (Maroc, Algerie, Tunisie, Tripolitaine, Cyrenaique et Sahara). Le Chevalier, Paris, vol: 1–16.
Melloul, M. & Zhar, A. (2017). Reforestation projects in the cantons of the Maamora cork oak forest: Case study of canton C. Annales de l’Institut National de la Recherche Forestière, 12(2), 20-29.
POWO. (2024). Plant of the World Online. Retrieved January 09, 2025, https://powo.science.kew.org/
Quézel, P. & Santa, S. (1962). New Flora of Algeria and Southern Desert Regions. Volume I. Published by the National Center for Scientific Research, Paris, France, 565 pp.
Quézel P, & Santa S. (1963). New Flora of Algeria and Southern Desert Regions. Volume II. Published by the National Center for Scientific Research, Paris, France, 494 pp.
Quézel, P. & Médail, F. (2003). Ecology and biogeography of Mediterranean forests. Springer.
Rankou, H., Culham, A., Jury, S. L. & Christenhusz, M. J. M. (2013). The endemic flora of Morocco. Phytotaxa, 78(1), 1–69. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.78.1.1
Raunkiaer, C. (1934). The life forms of plants and statistical plant geography. Clarendon Press.
Reille, M. (1977). Quelques aspects de l'activité humaine en Corse durant le Subatlantique et des conséquences sur la végétation. Supplément au Bulletin de l'AFEQ, 47, 329-342.
Sauvage, C. H. (1961). Flore des suberaies marocaines (Catalogues des Cryptogames vasculaires et des phanérogames). Travaux de l’Institut Scientifique Chérifien, série botanique n°22, Rabat.
Valdés, B., Rejdali, M., El Kadmiri, A., Jury, S. L., Montserrat, J. M. (2002). Catalogue annoté des plantes vasculaires du Nord du Maroc. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. Madrid, vol 1 & 2, 1040 p.
WFO. (2024). Snapshots of taxonomy. Retrieved November 21, 2024, https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list
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Study of the floristic diversity of the Maamora cork oak forest in northwest Morocco. (2025). Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 17(3), 1435-1453. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v17i3.6782
