Floristic and ecological patterns of toxic vascular plants in Morocco

Abstract

Background: Toxic vascular plants constitute a significant yet under-documented component of Morocco’s floristic diversity. Despite their ecological importance and implications for public health, no recent nationwide synthesis has integrated floristic, ecological, and conservation data within a unified analytical framework. Methods: This study presents an updated inventory and ecological analysis of toxic vascular plants reported in Morocco, based exclusively on critically evaluated bibliographic, taxonomic, and ecological sources. Species richness, taxonomic structure, biological spectrum, phenology, geographic distribution, habitat preferences, endemism, and conservation status were analyzed using a descriptive floristic–ecological approach. Results: A total of 170 toxic species belonging to 124 genera and 51 families were documented, with a marked predominance of angiosperms (98.24%). Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Ranunculaceae, Apiaceae, Solanaceae, and Lamiaceae concentrate most taxa, while Euphorbia L. and Artemisia L. are the most species-rich genera. Therophytes (28.65%) and hemicryptophytes (21.05%) dominate the biological spectrum, reflecting adaptation to Mediterranean and semi-arid conditions. Flowering peaks occur mainly between March and June. Toxic taxa are widely distributed, with higher concentrations in semi-arid and sub-humid bioclimatic zones, particularly in the Rif, Middle Atlas, and Atlantic plains. Forests, matorrals, grasslands, rocky slopes, and ruderal habitats represent the principal ecological settings. Endemic taxa account for 15.8% of the recorded flora. Most species are classified as Least Concern, whereas a limited number fall within Threatened or Data Deficient categories. Conclusions: This synthesis provides a comprehensive floristic–ecological baseline supporting biodiversity conservation planning, ecological monitoring, and the development of toxicovigilance strategies in Morocco. Keywords: Toxic plants, vascular flora, plant ecology, floristic diversity, Morocco.