Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid.
Buxus chinensis Link
Simmondsia californica Nutt.
Jojoba, Pignut, Goat Nut, Deer Nut, Wild Hazel, Quinine Nut, Coffeeberry
Jojoba (pronounced “huh-HO-buh”) is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts in the American southwest and Mexico. Plants live for 100-200 years. It contains a liquid wax that is extracted commercially for its high stability and high tolerance of heat.
Identification: Jojoba is a dense shrub reaching 3-6½' (1-2 m). Leaves are gray-green or blue-green in color, and ¾-1¾" (2-5 cm) long × ½-1" (1.5-3 cm) wide. Flowers are greenish yellow, and lack true petals (though the leafy bracts look like green petals). Fruits are berries up to 1" (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Medical: Jojoba, which is apparently an emetic, was used as a folk medicine by Baja California indians for a wide range of ailments ranging from colds and head sores to cancer.
Edibility: Jojoba nuts are edible when roasted; they can also be used to make coffee. Recipes here.
Simmondsia chinensis at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Center for Sonoran Desert Studies
Simmondsia chinensis as Compiled by the Master Gardeners of the University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension
Simmondsia chinensis at Purdue University's Center for New Crops and Plants Products
Simmondsia chinensis on Desert-tropicals.com
Simmondsia chinensis on Wikipedia
Simmondsia chinensis description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 16 Aug 2013.