Pecan nut - World Crops Database

Pecan - Photo by Dano

Pecan nuts originate from North America. In the past, the nuts would be collected from wild pecan trees and only relatively recently (since the 1880s) the trees have become domesticated.

Names

Scientific
   Carya illinoensis
English
   Pecan nut
Dutch
   Pecannoot
Spanish
   Nuez de la isla
   Pacano
   Pecán
French
   Noix de pécan
   Pacanier
German
   Pekannuss
Italian
   Pecan

Taxonomy

Order
   Fagales
Family
   Juglandaceae
Genus
   Carya
Species
   Carya illinoensis (Pecan nut)

Basic information and facts

Origin:

North America

Distribution:

Highest production of pecan nuts is in the USA. The trees are now also grown in some other countries including Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Peru and South Africa.

Evergreen or deciduous:

Pecan is a deciduous tree.

Flowers:

Leaves:

Fruits:

Climate and weather:

Pollination:

Height:

Trees can be 20 to 40 meter tall.

Spacing:

Propagation:

Insect pests:

Diseases:

Harvesting:

Uses:

The seeds of the pecan nut are edible and are eaten fresh as a snack or are used in cooking. The wood of the tree is used to make furniture and wooden floors. It can be also used to produce smoked meats.