Dragon tree (Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal Benabid et Cuzin) populations in Morocco: taxonomical biogeographical and phytosociological values

This paper gives a brief overview of the main caracteristics of the Jbel Imzi mountain located east of Tiznit in the western part of the Anti-Atlas. At this site, we discovered populations of some thousands of individuals of Dracaena draco subsp. ajgal nov. subsp. We have tried to demonstrate the floristic importance of this for taxonomical, biogeographical, historical, ecological and phytosociological aspects. Some other rare or endemic plant elements were also found to be new in the site. Phytosociological analysis has allowed us to individualize an original association : Davallio canariensis-Dracaenetum ajgal nov. ass. thar belongs to the Senecio anteuphorbii-Arganion, the Acacio-Arganietalia and the Quercetea ilicis.