Cinchona calisaya

Cinchona calisaya is a species of cinchona, a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to the tropical Andean forests of western South America. Notably, it is one of the plants from which quinine, a compound used for the treatment of malaria, is extracted.

Description

Cinchona calisaya is a large shrub or small tree that can reach up to 8 meters in height. Its leaves are elliptical and arranged oppositely on the branches. The flowers are pink or white and arranged in panicles. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Cinchona calisaya is native to the Andean forests of Bolivia and Peru. It grows at altitudes between 1,400 and 3,000 meters. The species prefers humid, shady locations and well-drained soils.

Uses

The bark of Cinchona calisaya contains several alkaloids, including quinine, which has been used for centuries in the treatment of malaria. The bark is harvested, dried, and then ground into a powder that can be used to produce quinine and other medicinal compounds.

Cultivation

Cinchona calisaya is cultivated in several countries for its medicinal bark. The trees are typically grown from seeds, which are sown in nursery beds and then transplanted to their permanent locations once they have grown to a suitable size.

Conservation

While Cinchona calisaya is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, its populations in the wild have been reduced due to overharvesting for its medicinal bark. Efforts are being made to conserve the species through sustainable harvesting practices and the establishment of protected areas.

See also

• Cinchona officinalis
• Cinchona pubescens
• Quinine
• Malaria