Carya illinoinesis The pecan tree has been around since before the formation of the United States. A member of the hickory (pawcohiccora) genus within the walnut family, its prized benefits spread quickly once people learned of the nutritional value pecans have to offer. Natives used the nuts as a main source of food for up to four months a year. In fact, tribes living outside of the natural range of the tree even started cultivating it. The nuts were pound…
