Anatomy of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Seed and the Utilization of Liquid Wax during Germination

Much work has been done on the agricultural potential of Jojoba, but little on the anatomy of the mature plant or seed. Our investigations concern the structure of the embryo of mature seeds and their external morphology during early germination. The embryo is straight and investing. A hypocotyl sheath surrounds the radicle like a hollow cone. The apical meristem is a low mound of cells in a shallow depression between the broad short petioles of the cotyledons. During germination these petioles lengthen and force the embryo away from the coytledons and seed coat. The hypocotyl elongates and the primary root rapidly extends and is well developed before the apical meristem becomes active. A mature imbibed seed contains approximately fifty percent liquid wax. After germination there is a linear decrease in the amount of wax to approximately ten percent at thirty days.