Chorology of Juniperus thurifera (Cupressaceae) in Morocco

The geographic distribution and occurrence conditions of Juniperus thurifera subsp. africana in Morocco were studied. The literature and herbaria data, together with field observations formed the basis of detailed maps of distribution of the species in the Middle and High Atlas and allow us to analyze its vertical distribution. The taxon occurs in the sub-arid and arid zones of the Middle and High Atlas with a separate population in the Anti-Atlas, mostly between altitudes 2000 and 2700 m, with an altitudinal maximum at 3400 m and a minimum at 1700 m. It forms forests in the area of about 30 000 ha. In many places of the High Atlas it is the only wood source for local populations. It is strongly endangered because of over exploitation of the wood, over pasturing and lack of seedlings and young specimens.