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Description
Cinchona Calisaya, also known as the Peruvian Tree of Life, is a medicinal tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This evergreen tree is native to the Andean forests of Peru and Bolivia, and it has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes to treat fevers, headaches, and other ailments. The bark of the Cinchona Calisaya tree contains quinine, a powerful anti-malarial drug that has saved millions of lives worldwide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Cinchona |
| Species | Cinchona Calisaya |
Appearance
The Cinchona Calisaya tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a pyramidal shape. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, measuring between 10-20 cm in length. The tree produces small, fragrant, white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters. Its bark is a light grey color and is smooth when young, but becomes rough and cracked as it ages.
Care Guide
The Cinchona Calisaya tree thrives in a humid, tropical environment with well-draining soil. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:
- Water: Water the tree regularly, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree every three months with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the tree in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if given enough water.
- Hardiness Zones: The Cinchona Calisaya tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cinchona Calisaya tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this tree:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause discoloration and stunted growth in the tree.
- Mealybugs: These insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause yellowing or curling.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and lead to defoliation.
Habitat
The Cinchona Calisaya tree is native to the Andean forests of Peru and Bolivia, where it grows at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters above sea level. It prefers a humid, tropical climate and well-draining soil. The tree is now grown in other parts of the world, including India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
Question and Answer
Q: What is quinine?
A: Quinine is a powerful anti-malarial drug that is extracted from the bark of the Cinchona Calisaya tree.
Q: How is quinine used?
A: Quinine is used to treat and prevent malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by mosquitoes in tropical regions.
Q: Was quinine used for anything else?
A: Yes, quinine was also used to treat leg cramps, arthritis, and other ailments.
Q: Is the Cinchona Calisaya tree endangered?
A: The tree is not currently considered endangered, but its populations have decreased due to deforestation and overharvesting for medicinal purposes.
Related Plants
- Cinchona Ledgeriana
- Cinchona Officinalis
- Cinchona Succirubra
- Cinchona Pubescens
References
- “Cinchona Calisaya.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286099.
- “Cinchona Calisaya.” Plants of the World Online, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:747406-1.
- “Cinchona.” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/plant/cinchona.
