​TUPELO, a genus of Cormaceæ consisting of trees inhabiting the swamps and river banks of North America. The common tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) attains 30-50 feet, and its wood is much used for naves of wheels, etc. N. multiflora, the forest tupelo or black gum tree, has a growth like the beech. Its wood serves for wheels, pumps, bowls, mortars, wooden shoes, and various turners' work. The acidulous fruits are made into a pleasant preserve. N. uniflora, the swamp tupelo, grows to 80 feet, and the wood is used for corks and floats.