Family: Simmondsiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Simmondsia chinensis, commonly known as jojoba, is an evergreen shrub native to the arid regions of southern California, the southwestern United States, and northern Mexico. It typically grows 3–6 feet (1–2 m) tall, although older plants may become larger. Jojoba has leathery gray-green leaves, a deep root system, and separate male and female plants. It is best known for its seeds, which produce a liquid wax commonly called jojoba oil. This oil is widely used in cosmetics, skincare products, hair treatments, pharmaceuticals, and industrial lubricants. Because of its drought tolerance and attractive appearance, jojoba is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and for erosion control in dry landscapes.

Risks & Threats:
Jojoba is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi. It grows slowly, has specialized habitat requirements, and has not demonstrated invasive behavior in the Hawaiian Islands or other tropical island environments. Seed production depends on the presence of both male and female plants, which can further limit its ability to spread. While any non-native plant should be monitored when introduced to new environments, there is little evidence that jojoba forms dense populations, displaces native vegetation, or significantly alters ecosystem processes. As a result, it is regarded as a suitable choice for dry landscapes where a hardy, water-wise ornamental or useful crop plant is desired.

High Risk Traits:

• Cultivated globally for oil, with repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Forms dense thickets (over 200 plants/acre in native habitat)
  
• Seeds dispersed by scatter-hoarding rodents (pocket gophers, pocket mice)
  
• Persistent seed bank (seeds viable 10–12 years)
  
• Resprouts vigorously after browsing or fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Slow growth and poor weed competitiveness
  
• No evidence of weediness in agricultural or natural areas
  
• No toxins, spines, allelopathy, or parasitism
  
• Not shade-tolerant
  
• Dioecious (requires cross-pollination)
  
• Takes 4–8 years to produce seed
  
• Low and variable seed production (most yield from few plants)
  
• Large seeds not adapted for wind, water, or bird dispersal
  
• Already present in Hawaii but no naturalization reported