Camptotheca

Description

Camptotheca is a genus of trees in the Nyssaceae family, native to China and Southeast Asia. It is known for its potential use in cancer treatment, as its bark and leaves contain camptothecin, a natural alkaloid that inhibits DNA topoisomerase I and prevents cancer cells from dividing. Camptotheca species are deciduous trees that can grow up to 20 meters tall. They have a broad, spreading crown and smooth, gray bark. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptic to ovate in shape, with a pointed tip and a smooth margin. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a small, round capsule that contains one to two seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Camptotheca trees have a broad, spreading crown and smooth, gray bark. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptic to ovate in shape, with a pointed tip and a smooth margin. They are about 8 to 15 centimeters long and 5 to 10 centimeters wide. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the lower surface is lighter. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and they bloom in the spring. The fruit is a small, round capsule that is about 1 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter. It contains one to two seeds that are about 5 to 6 millimeters long and 4 to 5 millimeters wide.

Care Guide

Camptotheca trees prefer moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They need moderate watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. Fertilize the trees with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, and again in midsummer. The trees prefer full sun to partial shade, and they are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Camptotheca trees are relatively pest-free, but they can be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The trees can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the tree, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant debris.

Habitat

Camptotheca trees are native to China and Southeast Asia, where they grow in forests and along streams at elevations of 400 to 1,500 meters. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can camptothecin be used to treat cancer?

A: Yes, camptothecin is a natural alkaloid that inhibits DNA topoisomerase I and prevents cancer cells from dividing. It is currently being used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of ovarian, lung, and colon cancers.

Q: Are camptotheca trees hardy?

A: Yes, camptotheca trees are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.

Q: What pests can affect camptotheca trees?

A: Camptotheca trees can be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.

Q: Where are camptotheca trees native to?

A: Camptotheca trees are native to China and Southeast Asia.

Related Plants

• Nyssa sylvatica
• Tupelo
• Sassafras albidum

References

• Li, J., & Li, Y. (2007). Camptothecin: current perspectives. Current medicinal chemistry, 14(11), 1199-1212.
• Peluso, G., & Nicolai, M. A. (2014). Camptotheca acuminata, an anticancer plant: a review. Phytochemistry reviews, 13(4), 761-778.
• USDA Plants Database: Camptotheca acuminata