These glycosides are found in leaves, stems, roots as well as in jojoba meal after oil extraction. It did not cause any pathological changes in internal organs of rats. It is believed that the food intake reduction after intake of simmondsin is probably due to a specific inhibition of hunger. Traditional Uses Indigenous Amerinds in the Sonora and Baja California used jojoba seed and oil for cooking, hair care, and for treatments of many medical problems such as poison ivy, sores, wounds, colds, cancer, and kidney malfunction. Genetic variability in morphology, anatomy and physiology within the species is very large and enable selection of clones for high yield and other agricultural attributes.
Leaves are xerophytic with a thick cuticle, sunken stomata.
They contain special tissue with a high concentration of phenol compounds. The male flowers are clustered. Flower buds form in the axiles of leaves solely on the new vegetative growth occurring during the warm season under favorable temperatures and water regime. New flower buds are dormant and will open only after a cool season with enough cold units for the fulfillment of their chilling requirements. Severe water stress prevents opening of flowers.