(simmondsia chinesis) Pronounced "ho-ho- ba". A member of the Simmondsiaceae family, it is a shrub growing up to two metres high, native to south western USA and northern Mexico. Cultivated on large scale in Arizona. It has thick, leathery oblong-ovate leaves. Small, petal less flowers appear in spring, followed by ovid capsules. If a good nourishing ingredient. It contains myristic acid which also has anti- inflammatory actions and since it has a  similar in composition to that of the skin's own oils, it is quickly absorbed and is excellent for dry and mature skins as well as inflamed conditions.