Presented in Association with the Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Simmondsiaceae (Jojoba Family)
The Simmondsiaceae are represented by a single genus and species, Simmondsia chinensis, commonly known as Jojoba. Simmondsia chinensis is usually thought of as a Sonoran Desert species, and is at its most extreme eastern distribution in southwest New Mexico. It does not reach into the Gila National Forest, being found about 50 miles southwest of its border.