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Description
South-west Morocco constitutes a refuge for a diverse array of phytogeographical elements, characterized by exceptional plant biodiversity. However, this region faces multiple forms of environmental degradation, with its flora increasingly threatened by recurrent droughts, habitat destruction, and overgrazing. Of particular concern is the emblematic subspecies Thymus broussonnetii subsp. broussonnetii, which is endemic to Morocco and currently at risk of extinction. This study focuses on the floristic diversity within the ecosystem of the “Thuja Forest of Essaouira” in south-west Morocco. A systematic and biological synthesis was conducted utilizing floristic identification keys. The study relied on the most recent references and incorporated the updated guidelines of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. The 157 floristic samples inventoried 192 species, distributed across 45 botanical families, with approximately 90% of these species identified as dicotyledons. The six most prevalent botanical families identified were Asteraceae (37 species), Brassicaceae (15 species), Fabaceae (14 species), Lamiaceae (10 species), Plantaginaceae (9 species), and Geraniaceae (8 species). Among the life-form categories, therophytes were predominant, representing 47% of the total flora. Endemic, rare, and threatened flora within the Thuja Forest of Essaouira constitute a significant proportion of Morocco’s overall endemic, rare, and threatened plant species. Endemic species and subspecies account for 1.59% of the total Moroccan endemics, while rare and endangered taxa represent 2.68% of the country’s corresponding flora. Notably, this study is the first to compile a Red List specifically addressing the endemic, rare, and threatened vascular plants of the Essaouira Thuja Forest coastal area.
