Cinchona

Description

Cinchona is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs from the Rubiaceae family, native to the Andean forests of western South America. There are around 23 species of Cinchona and they are known for producing quinine, a powerful antimalarial drug. The tree was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century and quickly became an important medicinal plant. The bark of the tree is harvested for the production of quinine, which is extracted from the bark’s alkaloids.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Cinchona trees are evergreens that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown, and the leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped. The flowers are small and white, grouped in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds that are dispersed by wind.

Care Guide

Cinchona trees require regular watering, especially during the growing season. They prefer a well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Fertilization can be done once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. Cinchona trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They are hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cinchona trees can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can also affect the health of the tree. Proper care and maintenance can prevent these issues from occurring.

Habitat

Cinchona trees grow in the Andean forests of western South America, specifically in the countries of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. They prefer to grow in high-altitude tropical forests with a lot of rainfall.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Cinchona trees be grown indoors?

A: Cinchona trees prefer to grow outdoors in a warm, humid climate. They can be grown indoors in a greenhouse, but they require a lot of space and proper care.

Q: How long does it take for Cinchona trees to produce quinine?

A: It takes around 7 years for Cinchona trees to mature and produce quinine. The bark is harvested from the tree and processed to extract the alkaloids that are used to produce the drug.

Q: Can quinine be extracted from other plants?

A: Quinine can be extracted from other plants, but the Cinchona tree is the most efficient source of the alkaloids needed for the production of the drug.

Q: Are there any side effects to using quinine?

A: Yes, there can be side effects to using quinine, such as headaches, nausea, and blurred vision. It is important to use the drug under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Related Plants

• Carapichea ipecacuanha
• Mitragyna speciosa
• Papaver somniferum
• Theobroma cacao

References

• Baldwin, B. G., & Markos, S. (1998). Phylogenetic utility of the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA in plants: an example from the compositae. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 10(2), 276-288.
• Chaw, S. M., Parkinson, C. L., Cheng, Y., Vincent, T. M., & Palmer, J. D. (2000). Seed plant phylogeny inferred from all three plant genomes: monophyly of extant gymnosperms and origin of Gnetales from conifers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 97(8), 4086-4091.
• De Block, P., Van Hummelen, P., & De Bruyn, A. (1989). The quinoline alkaloids. CRC press.
• Smith, A. C. (1979). Flora of Ecuador. University of Michigan Herbarium.