The taxonomy of Moroccan fir Abies marocana Trab. (Pinaceae): conceptual clarifications from phylogenetic studies

Western Mediterranean firs are endemic and illustrate the Tertiary flora heritage in basin. Due to their morphological anatomical similarities, classification of certain relict still debated especially those belonging Piceaster section. Moroccan fir Abies marocana is one these taxa whose taxonomy has remained unresolved for a long time. Many authors recognized two species Rif Mountains A. tazaotana while others considered as varieties or subspecies pinsapo. Recently, several biometrical molecular studies contributed better understanding phyletic relationships. In this review, main findings recent synthetized with aim shedding light on evolution taxonomical position fir. The hypotheses explaining phylogenetic relationships between Spanish also discussed. results converged towards separation at level, they did not support distinction different species.