Aromatic and medicinal plants in the Ifrane region (Morocco): Floristic diversity, with special emphasis on ethnobotanical and socioeconomic studies of six spontaneous plants

Context: As part of a huge project to assess Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (AMP) in the Ifrane-region, we made a list of these AMP through a floristic study, then we carried out ethnobotanical and socio-economic studies of six AMP belonging to three different genera (Lavandula L., Thymus L. and Crataegus L.). Aims: To investigate the AMP sector to enhance social and sustainable development of Ifrane region. Methods: In order to explore the floristic diversity of aromatic and medicinal plants in the Ifrane region, six field surveys were conducted, while all relevant floristic and medicinal literature was consulted. The ethnobotanical and socioeconomic surveys were carried out using questionnaire forms and were conducted during six campaigns among informants. Results: The inventory of spontaneous aromatic and medicinal flora in the study area highlighted the existence of 130 species belonging to 45 genera and 17 botanical families. The obtained results revealed that the exploitation in the spontaneous state of leaves and flowers, and the "decoction" method of preparation were the most frequently used ways to treat various diseases. The informants declared facing many problems such as high production costs, limited technical and financial means, processing and marketing difficulties, and lack of quality control and raw material traceability. Conclusions: This study will be a database for the actors of the AMP sector in Ifrane. Thus, it will contribute to both social and sustainable developments of this sector in this region.