There is an estimated 5 million palm trees in the Sahara region, in Morocco, north Africa that can live for up to 150 years.

The palm trees that line the valleys and riverbeds of Southern Morocco provide the only source of income to most of the inhabitants in the area. They're absolutely crucial. They provide the essential shade for the crops and fruit trees that flourish underneath their broad fronds. Apart from the domestic market, Morocco exports over 90,000 tonnes of dates each year.

The binding roots of the palm tree help to prevent soil erosion from the fierce desert winds.

There are many other uses; the trunk of the tree is used in most local houses as a supporting beam; the fronds are used to sweep the floors; they are used to make baskets, mats, ropes and buckets. It's even said to have aphrodisiac qualities and you can distill a potent and illicit spirit from the sap, which can be used to make wine.

Walking through the palm groves at any time of the year is an enchanting experience. The beauty of these trees adds to the landscape immensely.