ABSTRACT
Simmondsia is unique among plants in that its seeds contain an oil which is a liquid wax. Oil of Simmondsia is obtained by expression or solvent extraction. Jojoba oil can be easily hydrogenated into a hard white wax, with a melting point of about 73 to 74°C, and is second in hardness only to carnauba wax. Jojoba seeds retain nearly 99% germinability after 6 months, and 38% after 11 years stored in an open shed. Phytophthora parasitica and Pythium aphanidermatum may cause root rot in jojoba plantations. The CMR reports that a new oil from the fish known as orange roughy is "attempting to make inroads on the jojoba and sperm whale markets". Reported to be emetic, jojoba is a folk remedy for cancer, colds, dysuria, eyes, head, obesity, parturition, poison ivy, sores, sore throat, warts, and wounds.
