Simmondsia chinensis aka Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis is also known as jojoba. It belongs to the family Simmondsiaceae. Other names include goatnut and pig nut. Its native range starts in southern California. It reaches central Utah and northern Mexico. It grows in desert scrub and on dry slopes. These sites may have sand, gravel, or rocky ground. Despite its name, the plant does not come from China. An early botanist got the source of his plant samples wrong.

This shrub grows slowly and keeps its leaves year-round. It forms many stems and a dense mass of branches. Garden plants reach about 6–10 feet [1.8–3 metres] tall. Their width falls just short of their height. Some accounts give heights of 12 feet [3.7 metres]. Recorded extremes reach about 20 feet [6 metres]. Young shrubs have a rounded crown that spreads with age. Older limbs twist and give the plant an uneven shape. Smooth bark ranges from gray to pale brown. Fine hairs cover the thin young twigs. The tough, leathery leaves grow in pairs across from each other. They stand upright and have smooth edges. Their dull hue ranges from gray-green to blue-green. Severe drought can cause the shrub to shed leaves.

In most cases, male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Male flowers grow in groups. Female flowers grow one at a time beside leaves. The small flowers lack petals, scent, and nectar. Their green and yellow tones show best on male plants. Bloom records span November through April. Some reports also place bloom in early spring. Wind moves pollen from plant to plant. Growers need a male plant if they want fruit. The dry fruits are pointed capsules that look like acorns. They ripen in late summer. Their skins turn from green to brown as they mature.

Jojoba grows best in full sun, though it accepts light shade. It needs soil that drains well and little summer water. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 8–11. Dormant plants may survive about 14°F [−10°C]. Frost harms young plants. Flower buds need a cooler spell before they open. Heat that stays constant can stop bloom. Gardeners use jojoba in borders and desert gardens. They also grow clipped hedges and plant it near building foundations. Deer tend to leave it alone.

The seeds yield liquid wax for cosmetics and lubricants. Growers raise jojoba as a commercial crop in dry regions. People also eat the seeds raw, cooked, or roasted. Roasted seeds can make a coffee-like drink. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. Yet it states that the body cannot digest the wax. Traditional uses include putting seed wax on sores. People also use it for other skin complaints. These reports do not prove that it has medical benefits.