Chinese Happy-tree
Camptotheca acuminata
Dogwood family (Cornaceae)
Happiness, unhappiness
This tree originates from the high mountains of China and has two seemingly contradictory names: cancer tree and the Chinese happy tree. This small tree with green, downy leaves and white, globular inflorescences owes its name to the many chemicals found in the bark, leaves and flowers. In traditional Chinese medicine it is thought to have many medicinal properties, in particular a cure for cancer. Moreover chewing on the twigs is thought to bring good luck hence its Dutch vernacular name, the ‘good luck’ tree. Even though there is no scientific evidence to support these claims they have made the tree extremely popular, which is causing its demise. Illegal logging in China has reduced the number of these trees to a mere 4,000.
Themes
Crown jewel of Rotterdam Zoo.
The bark and stems of this tree contain the alkaloid camptothecin. Several chemical derivatives of camptothecin are under investigation for, or used as, drugs for cancer treatment.
Details
Description: | Tree, up to 20 m high with a light grey, deeply furrowed bark. |
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Distributions: | Southern china and tibet |
Habitat: | Forest margins, by streams; below 1000 m in altitude. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic decidous) |
Hardiness: | 14 - 23 f (hardy - average winter) |
Flowering period: | Mei - juli |
Flower color: | White |
Fruiting period: | September |
Fruit color: | Grey, brown |