Cinchona pubescens

Cinchona pubescens, also known as red cinchona and quina, is a plant species in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Central America and South America, but has been introduced to various other regions worldwide as a medicinal plant and for timber production.

Description

Cinchona pubescens is a large evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are elliptical and opposite, with a glossy upper surface. The flowers are pink or red, and the fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Cinchona pubescens is native to the Andes mountains in South America, from Colombia to Bolivia. It has been introduced to other tropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, where it has often become invasive. It grows in a variety of habitats, from lowland tropical rainforests to montane forests.

Uses

The bark of Cinchona pubescens contains quinine, a compound used for the treatment of malaria. The bark is harvested and processed to extract the quinine, which is then used in pharmaceuticals. The wood of the tree is also used for timber.

Conservation

While Cinchona pubescens is not currently considered threatened, overharvesting for its bark and habitat loss due to deforestation are potential threats to the species.

See also

• Cinchona
• Quinine
• Malaria

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