Locust tree \Lo"cust tree`\ [Etymol. uncertain.]
(Bot.)
A large North American tree of the genus Robinia (R.
Pseudacacia), producing large slender racemes of white,
fragrant, papilionaceous flowers, and often cultivated as an
ornamental tree. In England it is called acacia.
Note: The name is also applied to other trees of different
genera, especially to those of the genus Hymen[ae]a,
of which H. Courbaril is a lofty, spreading tree of
South America; also to the carob tree (Ceratonia
siliqua), a tree growing in the Mediterranean region.
Honey locust tree (Bot.), a tree of the genus Gleditschia
) G. triacanthus), having pinnate leaves and strong
branching thorns; -- so called from a sweet pulp found
between the seeds in the pods. Called also simply honey
locust.
Water locust tree (Bot.), a small swamp tree (Gleditschia
monosperma), of the Southern United States.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |