The term INDIAN BEAN is a collective name for four different plants: the CATALPA tree, Mung bean, Tree bean, and Urd bean. The CATALPA tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America, with large heart-shaped leaves and white flowers. The Mung bean is an edible legume native to India, used in many dishes. The Tree bean is a tropical legume native to South America, with edible pods and seeds. The Urd bean is a small legume native to India, used in many dishes. All four of these plants are collectively known as Indian beans.