carya illinoinensis


pecan

pecan

A large nut tree growing to 130 ft (40m) Alternate leaves. Male tree has long, dangling catkins (slim, long cylindrical flower clusters) When flowers die, they produce a green-shelled husk, that matures, turns brown, splits into 4, revealing nut inside, which is good source of protein and unsaturated fats, and quite well known for lowering cholesterol. Also used for lowering risk of gallstones, protect nerve degeneration, alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s, heart disease, cancer, motor function. Highest antioxidant of any nut.