# Remote Sensing Technologies for Monitoring Argane Forest Stands: A Comprehensive Review
## 2. _Argania spinosa_ Characteristics
### Taxonical, Botanical and Phenological Features  
The Argane tree, scientifically known as _Argania spinosa_ (L.) [PERSON], is a significant tree endemic to southwestern Morocco and a member of the Sapotaceae family, found within the order Ericales, and the only species of the genus Argania [11]. It is characterized by its fruit-forest tree form, variable presence of thorns, and an upright structure that resembles the olive tree. The tree's size can reach 8 to 10 m or more, depending on ecological conditions, with a sprawling, dense canopy. Its branches are vigorous, often twisted and gnarled, arising from the fusion of close shoots. The bark and large branches exhibit a rugged texture, close to \"snakeskin\" cracks. Branches are densely distributed, with thorny tips. The leaves are small, alternate, leather, and come in various shapes (Figure 1). They are typically arranged in fascicles with short petioles (2 to 3 cm), featuring dark green upper surfaces and paler undersides, with distinct midribs and fine, branched lateral veins [1]. During drought periods, Argame stand leaves partially persist, and the tree may shed some or all of its foliage [2]. Argame stand flowers are monoecious, hermaphroditic, and pentamerous, typically ranging from white to greenish-yellow. These flowers cluster at internodes and leaf axis, with a single cluster often containing 15 or more flowers [12, 13]. The flower structure comprises five pubescent sepals, followed by two bracts and five rounded petals, though in some varieties, this number can extend to ten [14]. The androecium consists of five stamens with short threads and a prominent mucronate or obtuse anther. The ovoid ovary is pubescent and erect, topped by a short or conical style, sometimes surpassing the stamen length and the fruits generally ripen between June and August, depending on the location and environmental conditions [1]. Flowering occurs from February to June, with fruits maturing around August. Pollination is predominantly anemophilous (80%), with the remaining 20% being entomophilous [15], facilitated by flies like those from the Calliphoridae family. The fruit of the Argame stands is a false drupe [16] with a fleshy pericarp, enclosing one to three (or even four or five) cavities containing false oil-rich almonds (nuts) [1]. These fruits come in various shapes and sizes, changing in color as they mature [1, 17, 18]. Agane stands exhibit a dimorphic root system that appears to be associated with a flexible water absorption model [1, 19]. This system comprises taproots that continue to extend into deeper layers and horizontally developing roots, facilitating nutrient uptake in proximity to the surface and water absorption across shallow to deep soil strata (up to 8 m depth), particularly in response to surface soil drying [1, 19, 20], with important mycorrhizal symbiosis [21]. Argame wood is dense and valuable for charcoal production. The longevity of the Argame stands is uncertain due to its irregular wood growth patterns, which relate more to vegetation periods than distinct years.