Care of the plant Simmondsia chinensis or Jojoba |
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The Simmondsia chinensis shrub is the only representative of the genus Simmondsia, of the Simmondsiaceae family. Common names: Jojoba, Gray box bush, Quinine nut, Coffeeberry, Goat nut, Deer nut, Pignut, Wild hazel. This species is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts (Mexico and USA). They are slow-growing, highly branched dioecious evergreen shrubs that exceed 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in height. The thick, leathery, gray-green leaves are oval in shape with a pointed end. The yellowish flowers are small and not very decorative; Male plants and female plants are needed to produce fruits. The fruits, similar to large olives, are quite decorative. They are used to form informal hedges, in shrubby groups, in rockeries, on dry and sunny slopes and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Jojoba oil is extracted from this plant especially for cosmetic products. Simmondsia chinensis needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. Well established adult plants are frost hardy down to -10°C (14 ºF). They thrive in any light, very well-drained soil, even in poor, saline soil. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. They resist drought well. They do not need fertilizer. They tolerate pruning at the end of winter to maintain a compact habit. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings. |
Images of the plant Simmondsia chinensis or Jojoba |
 Simmondsia chinensis  Simmondsia chinensis  Simmondsia chinensis |