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Glite Dictionary
Catalpa bignioides

Catalpa bignioides

9.9
A tree with large heart-shaped leaves and showy white flowers often planted for shade
  • noun
  • /ˈkætəlpə bɪɡˈnaɪəˌdiːz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : catalpa bignioides
  • The Catalpa bignioides is a popular ornamental tree due to its striking flowers.

Examples

  • In the southern United States, Catalpa bignioides is often planted for shade and decoration.

  • Many people admire the beauty of Catalpa bignioides during spring.

  • The wood of Catalpa bignioides is sometimes used in carpentry for its durability.

  • The Catalpa bignioides tree is often found in parks.

  • In the southern United States, Catalpa bignioides is often planted for shade and decoration.

  • The Catalpa bignioides is a popular ornamental tree due to its striking flowers.

  • Many people admire the beauty of Catalpa bignioides during spring.

Surface Forms

Catalpa bignioides singular
Catalpa bignioideses plural

Morphology

Catalpa + bignioides

This is a Latin binomial combining the genus name 'Catalpa' with a species epithet; its meaning (a particular species of Catalpa) is compositional in taxonomic terms rather than idiomatic. However, the species element 'bignioides' is not a transparent English word and understanding the full label requires knowledge of scientific naming conventions, so a B1 learner who only knows the parts would likely only partially infer the meaning.

Etymology

Catalpa bignioides may come from a Native American word for the tree, while the second part, bignioides, was added by scientists to mean 'looks like Bignonia', another flowering plant. So the name points to the tree's large heart-shaped leaves and showy white flowers, which helps you remember which tree it is.