Information AboutPecan |
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| color = lightgreen | name = Pecan | status = | image = Pecan orchard.jpg | image_width = 240px | image_caption = Pecan orchard Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park | regnum = Plant ae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Fagales | familia = Juglandaceae | genus = '' Carya '' | species = ''C. illinoinensis'' | binomial = ''Carya illinoinensis'' | binomial_authority = (Wangenh.) K.Koch }} The Pecan (''Carya illinoinensis'') is a species of Hickory native to southeastern North America , from southern Iowa and Indiana south to Texas and Mississippi . It is a Deciduous Tree , growing to 25–40 m in height, and can be grown approximately from USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, provided summers are also hot and humid. The Leaves are alternate, 40–70 cm long, and pinnate with 9–13 (rarely up to 17) leaflets, each leaflet 5–12 cm long and 2–6 cm broad. The Flower s are Wind-pollinated Catkin s, and are self incompatible, so two or more wild trees or different Cultivar s must be present to Pollenize each other. The Fruit is an oval to oblong Nut , 2.6–6 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, dark brown with a rough husk 3–4 mm thick, which splits off at maturity to release the thin-shelled nut. The nuts of the Pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in Cooking , particularly in sweet Desserts but also in some savory dishes. One of the most common desserts with the pecan as a central ingredient is the Pecan Pie , a traditional southern U.S. recipe. In addition to the pecan nut, the Wood of the pecan tree is also used in making Furniture , in Hardwood Floor ing, as well as flavoring fuel for Smoking Meat s. The Pecan is the State Tree of Texas . Historically, however, the leading Pecan-producing state in the U.S. has been Georgia , followed by Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma . Outside the United States, pecans are grown in Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Peru and South Africa. The scientific name is commonly misspelled "''illinoensis''". The pronunciation of pecan is a source of friendly dispute among aficionados. Some people say while others say . (See International Phonetic Alphabet .) Also the word has been used locally, (southern) Louisiana, to refer to a person whose actions are stupid, idiotic or crazy (instead of the word 'nut'). External links
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