What is the origin of the Latin name Juglans regia?
The Latin name Juglans combines Jovis referring to Jupiter and glans meaning acorn or nut. The specific epithet regia translates directly to regal or royal reflecting the high quality of the fruit.
Questions about Juglans regia
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where are the centers of genetic diversity for Juglans regia located today?
One center of origin lies in Iran while another exists further northeast in Central Asia. The highest diversity occurs around Sariosiyo in Uzbekistan with a native population on southern fringes of the Alps in northeast Italy.
When did Alexander the Great introduce Persian walnuts to new regions?
Alexander the Great introduced this Persian nut in the fourth century BC. He brought Macedonian forms from Iran and Central Asia which hybridized with terminal-bearing forms to create trees with larger fruit.
How large can mature specimens of Juglans regia grow in height and girth?
Juglans regia reaches heights of up to 36 meters as a large deciduous tree. A tall accurately measured specimen stands 38 meters high in Lagodekhi Protected Areas of Georgia while the stoutest measures over 3 meters in girth found in Spain.
What is the global production volume of shelled walnuts recorded in 2022?
World production of shelled walnuts reached 3.9 million tonnes in 2022. China led global harvest accounting for 36 percent total volume with United States Iran and Turkey serving as secondary producers.