Family: Simmondsiaceae
Author: (Link) C.K.Schneid.
Bibliography: Ill. Handb. Laubholzk. 2: 141 (1907)
Year: 1907
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Simmondsia
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. California to C. Utah and N. Mexico
Description
Goatnut, scientifically named Simmondsia chinensis, is a prominent species celebrated for its adaptability and economic significance. First detailed in 1907 in “Ill. Handb. Laubholzk. 2: 141” by the author known simply as C.K. Schneid., this resilient shrub thrives in diverse environments ranging from Southern California through Central Utah, extending into Northern Mexico.
A member of the Simmondsiaceae family, Goatnut is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid climates. It is renowned for its capacity to endure long periods of drought, making it a staple in desert landscapes and xeriscaping projects. This longevity and hardiness of the plant cater to the sustainable needs of gardeners and agriculturalists in regions with limited water resources.
In addition to its ecological contributions, Goatnut plays a critical economic role due to the unique properties of its seeds. The plant’s seeds are the primary source of jojoba oil, a liquid wax that has found extensive use in cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products. Jojoba oil’s chemical stability and similarity to human sebum make it a valuable ingredient for soothing and hydrating the skin without clogging pores, thus fueling a growing industry centered around natural and sustainable beauty products.
The Goatnut plant itself typically exhibits robust, gray-green foliage and can grow as a dense shrub, providing habitat and forage for a variety of wildlife. It also helps in soil conservation efforts, as its root systems aid in preventing soil erosion in the fragile landscapes of its native range.
Overall, Simmondsia chinensis, or Goatnut, embodies a remarkable blend of ecological resilience and economic value, enhancing both natural ecosystems and human industries.
Common Names
Eng: goatnut, jojoba
Swe: jojoba
En: Goatnut, Jojoba
Sv: Jojoba
Synonyms
- Celastrus obtusatus (C.Presl)
- Simmondsia pabulosa (Kellogg)
- Buxus chinensis (Link)
- Brocchia dichotoma (Mauri)
- Buxus californica ((Nutt.) Baill.)
- Simmondsia californica (Nutt.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Utah (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 9, 2022 by t4mina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2021 by Matt Wolin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Eloísa Romero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2021 by M Keller (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Elizabeth Srejic (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken Apr 18, 2015 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 18, 2015 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 18, 2015 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Matthew DreamsOfBunnies (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Matthew DreamsOfBunnies (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Jeff Potts (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Henry Broeska (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Jeff Potts (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by Jay (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Eloísa Romero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2019 by Denitsa Atanasova (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361949)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:236600-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 7.0