Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba)

This durable, long-lived evergreen shrub is native to southern California, Arizona and Mexico. Leathery, oval, gray-green leaves are arranged opposite each other on the branches. The flowers are inconspicuous, and the female plants produce hard brown fruit from which a liquid wax is extracted for cosmetics and other products. Plant in full sun, reflected heat and provide occasional irrigation to speed up its slow growth rate.