Carya illinoinensis

Carya illinoensis

Carya illinoinenensis, commonly known as the pecan tree, is a vital North American species valued for its nutrient-dense nuts. Beyond its culinary importance, traditional practices utilize its bark and leaves for medicinal purposes, including treating skin ailments and inflammation, highlighting its significant role in both ecology and herbalism.

  • Scientific name: Carya illinoinensis
  • Family: Juglandaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Juglandaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Carya.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fagales WCVP
Family Juglandaceae WCVP
Genus Carya WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Carya illinoinensis, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 长山核桃 (zh-hans) and 长山核桃 (zh-cn), while in Singapore, the name used is 长山核桃 (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese contexts, such as in Taiwan, it is known as 長山核桃 (zh-hant), and in Hong Kong, the designation is similarly 長山核桃 (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 长山核桃 Wikidata
zh-hant 長山核桃 Wikidata
zh-hk 長山核桃 Wikidata
zh-cn 长山核桃 Wikidata
zh-sg 长山核桃 Wikidata
zh-tw 長山核桃 Wikidata
pl orzesznik jadalny Wikidata
fr Pacanier Wikidata
he פקאן Wikidata
ko 피칸 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia and Europe. In Central Asia, its presence can be identified specifically within Tajikistan. The species also extends into the Caucasus, inhabiting both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus regions. Furthermore, it is found in Western Asia, notably on the island of Cyprus. Finally, its range reaches into China, where it is documented in Southeast China.

Region Area Source
Central Asia Tadzhikistan WCVP
Caucasus North Caucasus WCVP
Caucasus Transcaucasus WCVP
Western Asia Cyprus WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Iowa WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Kansas WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Oklahoma WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the hickory nut, possesses various components that contribute to its biological profile, though research often focuses on its chemical properties. While the seeds and bark are frequently studied for their nutritional and tannins content, the leaf extract serves as a significant subject in botanical studies due to its potential bioactive compounds. Scientists examine this extract to identify specific phytochemicals that may offer antioxidant or antimicrobial benefits, highlighting the multifaceted medicinal interest in the different parts of the species.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Carya illinoinensis has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ellagic acid pentose, ellagitannins, flavonols, tannins.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
ellagic acid pentose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ellagitannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Carya illinoinensis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include alcoholic liver disease.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
alcoholic liver disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆