Jojoba’s scientific name is Simmondsia chinensis. The exact appearance of the plant depends on the conditions under which it was raised. In some cases, it might be a bush of only one meter. In others, it could be a tree standing upwards of three meters tall. It is the seeds of the tree that are farmed as all natural jojoba is extracted from them.

As it grows naturally in desert conditions, it is incredibly resistant to heat and drought. Its thick, waxy leaves resist the loss of water, even under the heat of the sun. Its root system takes advantage of the infrequent rains as well as deep, underground aquifers. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions allows it to be an economic resources in some of the most impoverished areas of the world.