Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree)

Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree) yellow fruit cluster close up showing green leaves behind.
Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree) yellow fruit cluster sits among smooth green leaves on a branch.

Botanical name: Camptotheca acuminata

Common names: Happy Tree, Cancer Tree, or Tree of Life

Family: Nyssaceae

Origin: China

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 8-11

Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large or medium tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular; moderate
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Deciduous plantFoliage: Deciduous
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Handsome tree from China, growing to 75' for warm zones. Easily grown from seed and can be kept pruned to desired size indoors with ample warmth and bright light. If cut back to ground level it seems to grow back even faster. Attractive ovate leaves have prominent venation. This tree produces a drug called "Camptothesin" that has shown considerable potential in cancer research.

Camptotheca is a genus of medium-sized deciduous trees, native to southern China and Tibet. They are usually included in the tupelo family Nyssaceae, but sometimes included (with the tupelos) in the dogwood family Cornaceae.

Close related species - Davidia involucrata.


Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree) green fruit clusters hanging from branch, close up botanical photograph.
Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree) fruit clusters with green segments dangling among long smooth elliptical leaves.
Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree) brown seeds close up on a textured white surface
Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree) brown seeds resting on a white textured surface for clear identification


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/camptotheca_acuminata.htm
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