Tupelo

Tupelo /ˈtuːpɪloʊ/, genus Nyssa /ˈnɪsə/, is a small genus of deciduous trees with alternate, simple leaves. It is sometimes included in the subfamily Nyssoideae of the dogwood family, Cornaceae, but is placed by other authorities in the family Nyssaceae. In the APG IV system, it is placed in Nyssaceae. Most Nyssa species are highly tolerant of wet soils and flooding, and some need such environments as habitat. Some of the species are native to eastern North America, from southeastern Canada through the Eastern United States to Mexico and Central America. Other species are found in eastern and southeastern Asia, from China south through Indochina to Java and southwest to the Himalayas. The genus name Nyssa refers to a Greek water nymph. The name tupelo, the common name used for Nyssa, is of Native American origin, coming from the Creek words ito 'tree' and opilwa 'swamp'; it was in use by the mid-18th century. The city of Tupelo, Mississippi, is named for this tree. Between seven and ten living species of Nyssa are recognized: Tupelo wood is used extensively by artistic woodcarvers, especially for carving ducks and other wildfowl. It power carves excellently and holds good detail in the end grain. In commerce, it is used for shipping containers and interior parts of furniture, and is used extensively in the veneer and panel industry for crossbanding, plywood cores, and backs. The wood can be readily pulped and is used for high-grade book and magazine papers. In the past, the hollow trunks were used as 'bee gums' to hold beehives. Tupelos are popular ornamental trees for their mature form, shade, and spectacular Autumn leaf colors. Tupelos are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including Endoclita damor.