New data on the ecological distribution ofEuphorbia resiniferaO.Berg in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region

Abstract

Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg, also called Euphorbusresin, is a species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is endemic to the Beni Mellal Khenifra region and extends discontinuously between El Ksiba and Demnate. Currently, this plant is known as a meliferous species and its product is considered as a terroir product with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). However, few studies have conducted on its ecology and particularly its mapping in relation to the environmental conditionswhere it thrives. That’s why in this study, we tried to establish, for the first time in the region of Beni Mellal, a distribution mapping of E. resinifera according to the ecological needs of the plant, the exploration of high-resolution satellite imagery and on the field by observing a representative sample of the study area. Results showed that it spread from Demnate to Elksiba in the Atlas piedmont area but appears as scattered individuals from Demnate to AitOurir due to a complexity of factors mainly related to the soil characteristics, paleogeography and the climate exacerbated by the negative results of anthropogenic impacts. It extends also into the central high Atlas valley as small isolated units which reach 1900 m of altitude. This could explain why other ecological requirements should be considered in terms of the distribution of this endemic species in the context of climate change.

Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg. (B): A Review

“…resinifera is under great anthropogenic pressure, because it is a local development economy in the mentioned areas [36]. In addition, as mentioned above, E. resinifera was found at altitudes higher than 1900 m, which indicates that this species has an adaptive strategy that helps it survive and grow in certain environments; this is a good indication in light of current climatic changes [40]. With this in mind, E. resinifera is a species that could be considered as not threatened.…”

“…This could explain why other ecological requirements must be taken into account in terms of the distribution of this endemic species in the context of climate change. From a bioclimatic point of view, the spurge zone is found in arid to subhumid bioclimates but includes temperate, cool, and exceptionally cold variants [36,40,41].…”

“…In the areas of Azilal and Beni Mellal, E. resinifera grows in the rocky mountain at altitudes between 600 and 1500 m where the summer is hot and the winter is cold. Recently, this species was found at altitudes higher than 1900 m [40]. Indeed, with such climatic conditions, agriculture is not feasible.…”

“…Lysosomal biosynthesis induction activity of euphorblin B and euphorblin D isolated from E. resinifera latex was studied in vitro using the HeLa cell line [25]. To investigate whether euphorblin B and euphorblin D possess the ability to induce lysosomal biosynthesis, different concentrations of these compounds (10,20,40, and 60 µM) were tested for their activity at 1, 3, 6, and 9 h [25]. LysoTracker Red staining was conducted to examine lysosome induction.…”

Comprehensive review of morphological adaptations and conservation strategies of cactiform succulents: A case study of Euphorbia species in arid ecosystems

“…Nevertheless, these species form a veritable "green blanket", particularly in areas that seem unlikely to be colonized by plants, such as karst and igneous rock cliffs, coral reefs, and sandbanks (Ettaqy et al, 2020;Al-Qthanin & Al-Yasi, 2021;Chaudhary et al, 2023). This type of substrate with a low water retention capacity is in perfect compatibility with the stem-succulence, the stem being endowed with specialized tissues for water storage (Evans et al, 2014).…”