When they mention some words that we have never heard, we can be surprised, but once they explain their meaning to us, our surprise can turn into interest ... especially when it comes to plants. And this is what has happened to many of us and will happen to us with the term pecan nut.
When investigating about the plant being that produces this fruit, it's easy to be amazed. You do not believe me? Well, I invite you to read this article. 😉
Origin and characteristics
The pecan nut is the fruit of a deciduous and monoecious tree (there are male feet and female feet) which is believed to be native to the southeastern United States reaching Mexico. However, it has been cultivated for so long and in all temperate regions of the world (except Europe) that its origin is still not very clear.
His scientific name is Carya illinoinensis, and can reach 60 meters in height. The bark of the trunk is light gray or brown and covered with scales. The leaves are odd-pinnate, glabrous or with short hairs, measure 40 to 70cm and have 2-16 by 1-7cm oval-lanceolate leaflets with a serrated margin.
Male catkins are pendulous and are about 20cm long; female inflorescences are grouped in terminal spikes. The fruit is a walnut, known as a pecan nut, brown in color, ovoid-ellipsoid, 2-6 by 1,5-3cm. East it is eatable.
What are the cares?
If you want to get a copy, we recommend providing the following care:
- Location: outside, in full sun. It has to be planted at a distance of 6-7 meters from walls, walls and others.
- Earth: it is indifferent as long as they are fertile and have good drainage.
- Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer and a little less the rest of the year.
- Planting time: in spring.
- Multiplication: by seeds in autumn.
- Rusticity: supports up to -18ºC. It can live in areas with somewhat warm climates, where the minimum temperature is -1ºC and the maximum 38-39ºC.
What uses does it have?
Ornamental
The tree has a high ornamental value. Is used as isolated specimen, since over time it only gives very good shade.
Gastronomic
Pecan nut It can be eaten fresh or in pastries as a filling for breads and other desserts such as the famous "pecan pie" from the United States, or the "nut pancake" from Mexico.
Medicinal
The fruit is used as astringent.
Wood
Wood is widely used for making farm implements, furniture, skis, bows and golf clubs.
What did you think of this tree and its fruit, the pecan nut?
Having walnuts, how would they be sown? Whole or shelled?
Hi John.
They are sown with the husk 🙂. Sowing in pots with universal growing medium in autumn, or stratifying them in the fridge (where dairy products, eggs, etc. are put) for 3 months.
A greeting.