black gum
Noun: 1. A type of tree (Nyssa sylvatica): A medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its glossy green summer foliage that turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn. It is also called sour gum or tupelo. 2. A type of eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus aggregata): A small Australian mallee tree with rough, dark bark, known for yielding a red kinosap.
- Referring to the North American tree (Nyssa sylvatica):
- The black gum in our yard is the first tree to show brilliant red leaves every fall.
- Forests containing black gum provide important habitat for wildlife.
- Referring to the Australian tree (Eucalyptus aggregata):
- The black gum is a hardy species found in the tablelands of New South Wales.
- This red kino gum is harvested from the black gum.
- The term is primarily used in botanical, forestry, and horticultural contexts to specify these particular tree species.
- In North America, "black gum" is often used interchangeably with "sour gum" or "tupelo," though "tupelo" can refer to other species in the genus.
- Sour gum: A common name for , referring to the sour taste of its fruit.
- Tupelo: The genus name () and a common name for trees within it, including the black gum.
- Black tupelo: Another name for .
- Mallee: A growth habit of certain eucalypts, including the Australian black gum, characterized by multiple stems.
- For : sour gum, tupelo, black tupelo, pepperidge.
- For : black mallee.
The word "black gum" has two distinct botanical meanings: 1. The primary meaning in North America refers to the deciduous tree Nyssa sylvatica, valued for its stunning autumn color. 2. In an Australian context, it refers to the evergreen eucalyptus species Eucalyptus aggregata, valued for the kino gum it produces. The intended meaning is usually clear from the geographical context of the discussion.
- a small mallee with rough dark-colored bark toward the butt; yields a red eucalyptus kino gum
- columnar tree of eastern North America having horizontal limbs and small leaves that emerge late in spring and have brilliant color in early fall