Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba)
Did you know that the Simmondsia chinensis, popularly known as Jojoba, an evergreen, dioecious desert shrub, native to Mexico , Arizona and California, was introduced in India from Israel in 1965 at the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur?
Simmondsia chinensis (chinensis means "of Chinese origin but not grown in China) , popularly known world wide as Jojoba, pronounced 'ho - ho - ba', and also known as goat nut, deer nut, pignut, wild hazel, quinine nut, coffeeberry, and gray box bush, is an evergreen shrub that grows in deserts and is native to Mexico , Arizona and California. It was introduced in India from Israel in 1965 at the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur. Since then over 70 collections have been introduced in India from USA and a productive clone has evolved with wide ecological amplitude. It is grown without irrigation under natural conditions.
Jojoba is the only species in the family of Simmondsiaceae, placed in the order Caryophyllales. It grows as shrub from sea level up to 1220 m. Its most important product is the Jojoba Oil, which is almost glycerine free, which is commerically produced and is an expensive oil.
The Jojoba plant is usually restricted to well-drained, coarse desert soils and coarse gravels and clays. It is a woody evergreen shrub, commonly two to three feet high and easily recognised by its thick leahtherly, bluish green leaves and dark brown, nut-like fruit. The male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers are borne on separate plants, and the numbers of female and male plants are about equal in nature.
Uniqueness of Jojoba plant is that its nuts contain about 50% oil composed mainly of the straight chain monoesters of C20 and C 22 alchohols and acids with two duble bonds, one at each side of the ester bond. The almost complete absence of glyscerin indicates that Jojoba different redically from all other known seed oils; it is not a fat but a liquid wax ester extracted from its seed.
Jojoba oil is a nutritious oil containing vitamin E, minerals and proteins which are absorbed into the skin. Unlike many other oils it can be heated to high temperatures and will still retain its nutrients. At room temperature it is semi solid beacuse of its waxy consistency but it solidifies when put in a fridge. It does not oxidise so it keeps very well. It is good for all hair and skin types, including oily skins. It is good for moisturising the skin and hair in cosmetic industries. In pharmaceutical industries it is used to relieve inflammation and so is excellent for acne, exzema. psoriasis and arthritis. It is generally safe to use, but is an expensive oil so it is advised to use it in a small amount by mixing it with another carrier oil such as sweet almond. The indigestible wax acts as a laxative in humans.
Jojoba seed oil is being utilized in industrial lubricants, has been discussed as a possible biodiesel fuel.
Jojoba foliage provides year-round food for many animals, including deer, javelina, bighorn sheep, and livestock. Its nuts are eaten by squirrels, rabbits, other rodents, and larger birds.
- Narasipur Char
