Camptotheca
Camptotheca, commonly known as the happy tree, is a deciduous tree native to China. It belongs to the family Nyssaceae and can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree is notable for its unique leaves and yellow flowers, which bloom in late spring. Its bark and leaves contain a compound called camptothecin, which has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties.
The compound camptothecin has led to the development of several chemotherapy drugs, including irinotecan and topotecan. These medications are used to treat various cancers, such as colorectal and ovarian cancer. Due to its medicinal properties, Camptotheca is cultivated in some regions for pharmaceutical purposes.