tu·pe·lo 
(tpə-lō′, ty-)
(tpə-lō′, ty-)n. pl. tu·pe·los
1. Any of several trees of the genus Nyssa of Asia and the eastern United States, having simple alternate leaves and small flowers.
2. The light wood of any of these trees.
[Probably Creek 'topilwa : íto, tree + opílwa, swamp.]