[kuh-tal-puh] 
| any of several trees constituting the genus Catalpa, of the bignonia family, esp. C. speciosa, of the central U.S., or C. bignonioides, of the southern U.S., having opposite, sometimes whorled leaves, clusters of white flowers, and long, beanlike seed pods. |
ca·tal·pa (kə-tāl'pə, -tôl'-)  (click for larger image in new window) n. Any of various, usually deciduous trees of the genus Catalpa, especially C. bignonioides or C. speciosa, native to the United States and having whorled, heart-shaped leaves, showy clusters of white flowers, and long, slender, cylindrical pods. Also called Indian bean. [Creek katałpa : ka-, head + tałpa, wing (from the shape of its flowers).] |
| Indian bean n. See catalpa. |