NAME: Carya illinoinensis (F. von Wangenheim) K. Koch

PLANT FAMILY: Juglandaceae

COMMON NAME: pecan

APERTURATION: Triporate

ORNAMENTATION: Scabrate

POLLINATION SYNDROME: Anemophilous

SIZE: 35 - 77 µm in equatorial diameter

SHAPE: Triangular in equatorial outline

FLOWERING DATE: April - May in Texas

NOTES: The pores are slight aspidate (off the equator). Because of the unusual feature, this pollen type is one of the first and easiest types learned by students. Although it is anemophilous (wind pollinated), many insects visit pecan catkins. Pecan pollen is found in honey of the southern United States, on Texas corn earworm adults, and in boll weevils.

Carya illinoinensis is native to Texas and is the Texas State Tree. Many varieties are widely cultivated for the nuts, which vary in size, shape, and shell thickness. Some consider the pecan to be the premium nut.