1. The argan (Argania spinosa) is a species of tree endemic to the
calcareous valley of southwestern Morocco and to the Algerian
region of Tindouf
Argan grows to 8–10 metres high and live up to 150–200 years
2. The fruit is 2–4 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, with a
thick, bitter peel surrounding of pulpy pericarp. This
surrounds the very hard nut, which contains small,
oil-rich seeds.
Goats climb the Argan trees of Morocco
in search of food, which is otherwise
sparse in the region
3. The droppings of the goats contain the kernels of
the seeds they consume which are, strangely
enough, used by locals to press and grind into oil.
4. This oil has a number of uses including
culinary and cosmetic.
5. The goats I saw were put in the trees by peasants for money.
This goat doesn't eat and it seams to be very uncomfortable
in the tree, on the bound, dried branches.
