Ethnobotanical study of some aromatic and medicinal plants in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco

Abstract

By the diversity of its soil and climatic factors, Morocco offers a flora particularly rich in aromatic and medicinal plants (MAP). In order to obtain the most information about the flora (flowering times, fruiting, harvesting and their main uses in traditional medicine), a study was conducted in the mountainous Khenifra region. A survey of users of MAP (rural population, herbalists arborists) has been undertaken and was completed by field observations and sampling at different stages of growth. The results showed a range of indigenous and diversified MAP belonging to 10 botanical families (Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Papaveraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Cupressaceae, Rutaceae, Anacardiaceae and Zygophyllaceae). The flowering period of all species, according to the local community surveyed, spread from February (2%) to September (12%), with a significant concentration from April to June (65%).The highest rate of fructification occurred in June-July (64%). The harvesting period of the main MAP from this mountain area stretches mainly from March to April (61%). The mode of propagation stated varied among species, and concerned mainly replication by seeds (53%) and cuttings (24%). Regarding the use of these indigenous MAP as traditional medicines, all plant parts are used, especially leaves, flowers and stems.