The Argan Forest

When I think of a forest I think of 3 vertical layers, the canopy overhead, ground cover, and an intermediate layer of shrubs and climbers. The canopy blends together to make a dappled roof with occasional clearings and shade loving plants, usually spring flowering, thrive in the shelter beneath. Argan forests are not like that. 
They consist of widely spaced trees dotted about. A better collective noun may be "orchard"  although that suggests deliberate planting. Some of the forest may have been deliberately planted many years ago but mostly it is wild. Some areas have been actively managed with trees showing signs of old coppicing, having many trunks.

 In many places and for most of the year everywhere there is no ground cover although in some irrigated areas there is a winter ground cover which is harvested; I used to think it was winter whet but it may just be hay.
Since argan oil became successfully marketed to the Western "beauty" business  the forests are more actively preserved.

 It is forbidden to burn argan wood which is a nuisance as it's all that grows round here except for where is has been cleared and orange plantations set. Some of these forests offer public access and near to Agadir on a sunny Sunday in school holidays they are taken up by families out for a picnic. There are two access roads for parking parallel to the dual carriageway and signs as to what is prohibited.

 Almost every tree has its family. When moroccans picnic they do it kitchen sink style (sometimes literally) taking blankets,wind breaks, cushions and low midan tables as well as the food and equipment to make mint tea. All this and 3 or 4 generations need to be fitted back in the car at the end of the day.