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.