Exploring morphological and anatomical trait diversity in Moroccan populations of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus

Abstract

Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus is a significant element of the forest ecosystems in High and Middle Atlas of Morocco. It is very well known for its resistant hard wood and for its essential oils used in traditional medicine. However, little data is available on its intra-specific variability and its adaptability. The objective of our study is to characterize and evaluate the phenotypic variation of this natural species. Using 22 morphological traits related to needles, cones, and stomata, we investigated the phenotypic variability of eight Moroccan wild populations to identify biogeographical trends and population relationships. Statistically significant differences were found between the studied populations for the most examined traits indicating a high level of phenotypic variability within this species. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster revealed three groups of populations not related to geographical and climatic factors. Our study provides the first phenotypic and anatomical information on Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, a previously under-studied plant in Morocco, and reveals a high level of phenotypic diversity. Our observations indicate that populations from distinctly different altitudes display clear morphological differences (Ouaouizeght and Chefchaouen), This diversity appears to be associated with environmental factors such as altitude and temperature, both of which demonstrate significant correlations with certain morphological traits. This approach supports informed decision-making in conservation efforts. The data gathered serves as a critical resource for future research and conservation planning.