Moroccan atlas cedar

Cedrus atlantica has grown in Morocco's Middle and High Atlas mountains for millennia, reaching impressive sizes in elevations between 1,200 and 2,200 meters. Local artisans call the tree "araar" or "thuya," treating its burl-root formations as sacred material for carved bowls and decorative objects. French colonial botanists first catalogued the species for Western markets in the late 19th century, noting its superior aromatic qualities compared to other cedar varieties. The wood's natural resistance to decay made it valuable for construction, while perfumers discovered the distinctive warmth hiding in its heartwood. Today, Moroccan Atlas cedar remains a protected species, with sustainable harvesting quotas ensuring these ancient forests continue supplying the fragrance industry with their prized aromatic sawdust.