Biodiversity, autecology and status of aromatic and medicinal plants in Geopark M’Goun (Morocco)

Abstract

The M'goun Geopark vegetation is presented by a rich Mediterranean vegetation cover consisting of oak groves, juniper groves, tetraclinae, and Aleppo pine, these forests are inhabited by an extremely biodiverse species, particularly medicinal and aromatic plants. This richness is owing to the region distinct characteristics, namely the ecological diversity that has resulted in altitudinal and continental climate variation on the one hand, mixed with lithological and orographic diversity on the other. The specific richness of aromatic plants within the geopark is meaningful; with approximately 47 species, of which at least six are cultivated, this confirms the good adaptation of aromatic plants to the ecological conditions of the geopark. However, some spontaneously aromatic plants are overexploited, making them more vulnerable. In addition, the IUCN Red List showed that 42 % of these species are not yet evaluated, 3 are near threatened, 2 are vulnerable, and one is endangered. Some of non-evaluated species are under threat, which need assessment, mentoring, and conservation projects.