The Pecan is a deciduous
tree native to North America of the species Carya illinoinensis. It
is member of the hickory genus. Pecan trees can grow to 25-40m in height,
and can be grown approximately from USDA hardiness zones 9 to 5, provided
summers are also hot and humid.
The nuts of the Pecan are edible and are eaten fresh and used in cooking,
particularly sweet desserts, but also some savory dishes. One of the
most common desserts with the pecan as a central ingredient is the pecan
pie. In addition to the nut, the wood of the tree is also used in making
furniture, in hardwood flooring, as well as flavoring fuel for smoking
meats.
Hickory flowers are anemophilous and self incompatible, so two or more
varieties must be present to pollenize each other. The pecan is the
state tree of Texas.
Source: Wikipedia
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