Quinine tree
Cinchona pubescens
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Pl. 7EF8 — Cinchona pubescens
Cinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescensCinchona pubescens
IOverview
Overview
The Quinine tree (Cinchona pubescens) is a medium-sized tree native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Brazil, as well as countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru. Known for its edible inner bark, this plant thrives in light habitats, tolerating both full sun and partial shade. It prefers moist conditions and grows best in light (sandy) to medium soil types. With a height of up to 15 meters, the Quinine tree is distinguished by its adaptability and its historical significance as a source of quinine, an important compound used in the treatment of malaria.
Quick answers
What is Quinine tree?
The Quinine tree (Cinchona pubescens) is a medium-sized tree native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Brazil, as well as countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru. Known for its edible inner bark, this plant thrives in light habitats, tolerating both full sun and partial shade.
What is Quinine tree used for?
Traditionally used for energy & focus, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Quinine tree
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Quinine tree appears in herbal sources around clarity and study-routine traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Quinine tree has been traditionally used in South American medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction from the inner bark. It is believed to help maintain healthy body defenses.
The mechanism by which Quinine supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve alkaloids such as quinine and cinchonine that have antimicrobial properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Quinine tree support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Quinine tree, or Cinchona pubescens, thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows up to 15 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens with zones 10-12. Propagate through inner bark cuttings. Ensure the tree has consistent moisture but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Quinine tree for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Quinine tree in a sunny spot, and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young saplings, potting mix suitable for trees.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds or transplant saplings in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with sand mixed in. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
For seeds, sow them shallowly in moist potting mix. For saplings, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and place in partial shade to avoid sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established but protect from strong afternoon sun. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them and remove any dead or diseased branches. Inner bark can be harvested for medicinal use after several years.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner bark
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:HairPest controlTeethCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 10 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native· 10 introduced
Americas10 regions
native (6)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorPeruVenezuela
introduced (4)GuatemalaHondurasJamaicaUnited States
Broader regions
native:Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Panamá
introduced:Galápagos, Gulf of Guinea Is., Mexico Southeast, Society Is., St.Helena, Sulawesi
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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