Contents
Description
Simmondsiaceae is a family of plants that consists of only one genus, Simmondsia, which has only one species, Simmondsia chinensis. The plant is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it grows in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant is commonly referred to as jojoba, goat nut, deer nut, pignut, wild hazel, quinine nut, coffeeberry, and gray box bush.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Simmondsiaceae |
| Genus | Simmondsia |
Appearance
The jojoba plant is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has a deep taproot system that allows it to survive in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant has gray-green leaves that are oval-shaped and 2-4 centimeters long. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and appear in clusters. The fruit is a greenish-brown, hard-shelled capsule that contains one to three seeds. The seeds are oval-shaped, about 1.5 centimeters long, and contain a waxy substance that is used in cosmetic and medicinal products.
Care Guide
Jojoba plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your jojoba plant:- Water: Jojoba plants are drought-tolerant and do not require much water. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.- Fertilization: Jojoba plants do not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: Jojoba plants prefer well-draining soil. If the soil is heavy, mix in sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Jojoba plants require full sun to thrive. Make sure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Jojoba plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Jojoba plants are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they may be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent pests, keep the plant clean and free of debris. If you notice pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Jojoba plants may also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Jojoba plants are native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where they grow in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant can be found in desert, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub habitats. Jojoba plants are important to the ecosystem as they provide food and habitat for wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and jackrabbits.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow jojoba in a container?
A: Yes, jojoba can be grown in a container. However, make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s deep taproot system.
Q: How long does it take for jojoba to produce fruit?
A: Jojoba plants typically begin to produce fruit when they are 5-6 years old.
Q: Is jojoba oil good for the skin?
A: Yes, jojoba oil is a popular ingredient in skincare products as it is moisturizing, non-comedogenic, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: Can jojoba be used as a biofuel?
A: Yes, jojoba oil can be used as a biofuel. However, the plant’s slow growth rate and low seed yield make it less economically viable than other biofuel crops.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to jojoba:- Mesquite (Prosopis spp.)- Acacia (Acacia spp.)- Palo Verde (Parkinsonia spp.)- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)- Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Simmondsiaceae. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SIMMO- Jojoba. (n.d.). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/plant/jojoba- Jojoba. (n.d.). In University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1420.pdf
