Camptotheca
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Camptotheca acuminata |
Camptotheca (happy tree) is a genus of medium-sized deciduous trees growing to 20 m tall, native to central China. They are usually included in the tupelo family Nyssaceae, but sometimes included (with the tupelos) in the dogwood family Cornaceae.
There are two species:
- Camptotheca acuminata Decne.
- Camptotheca lowreyana S.Y.Li
The name 'happy tree' is a direct translation of the Chinese name xi shu. An extract from the tree (camptothecin) is used as an anti-cancer treatment in China.
