The Indian bean tree is native to southeastern parts of the United States. The 'Indian' part of the name relates to the botanical name given by the European botanist who first recorded it. He named it after the local native American (Red Indian) tribe, Catawba, although he incorrectly wrote 'Catalpa'.
Indian bean tree grows into a large, domed tree growing up to 12m in its native range (typically smaller in Britain). It's grown in UK gardens for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which become smaller as the tree matures. Unusually, the leaves don't appear until late June, and they have extrafloral nectaries on the undersides, which secrete nectar. These are followed by masses of white, horse chestnut-like flowers, with pink and yellow markings. From late summer, long (up to 45cm) runner bean-like pods develop, which burst as they mature, releasing silvery winged seeds.
