PI 518116

Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch

GRIN Data

Origin: Texas, United States of America

Acquisition: Texas, United States of America

Common name: Pecan

NPGS received: December 21, 1987

Year PI assigned: 1988

Life form: Perennial

Form received: Cuttings

Improvement status: Wild

Local names: San Saba, Eggshell (Texas), Papershell (Texas), Paper Shell, Risien, Risien's Paper Shell, Royal

Risien's pecan tree still grows on the banks of the San Saba River, Texas. Credit: Tommy E. Thompson.

Although its plant introduction number was assigned in 1988, PI 518116 has a history that dates back to the nineteenth century, with discovery by Edmond Risien, a trained cabinetmaker whose passion in life was the pecan. Risien came to the United States from England in 1872 and 2 years later settled in the central Texas town of San Saba on the banks of the San Saba River. At that time the town was a busy market center where wagonloads of buffalo meat, venison, and pecans were sold. Risien became interested in this native American nut, which grew throughout the region. He offered a $5