First record of the genus Camptotheca (Nyssaceae) in Vietnam and the lectotypification of C. acuminata

Abstract

As a primary source of anticancer camptothecin, Camptotheca (Nyssaceae) is an economically valuable genus and has long been recorded as endemic to China. Here, Camptotheca is reported as a new record to the flora of Vietnam with the discovery of a wild population of C. acuminata from Lai Chau Province of northern Vietnam. Based on the consultation of relevant literature and type specimens of C. acuminata, a lectotype of the species is designated. Photographic illustrations, morphological description and a distribution map of C. acuminata is provided, and a key to all known species of Nyssaceae in Vietnam is presented, too.