Huannco
Cinchona micrantha

Family: Zygophyllaceae

What it is like

Huannco, Cinchona micrantha, is a small evergreen shrub or tree found in western South America particularly in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. It grows up to 8 m tall. It is used in the treatment of fever, malaria, neuralgia, muscle cramps and sore throats, cardiac fibrillation. The bark is made into tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures and powders. If consumed in high amount, however, it may result to headache, giddiness and deafness.

Cinchona micrantha is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 8

Where it is found

Not known

Western S. America - Ecuador.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Quinine, extracted from the bark of the tree, is used as a bitter flavouring in tonic water and carbonated drinks.

Inner bark: the bark that is found just beneath the tough outer bark of trees and shrubs.

Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 4

Huannco has a long history of native use, especially as a treatment for fevers and malaria. Modern research has shown it to be a very effective treatment for fevers, and especially as a treatment and preventative of malaria. The bark contains various alkaloids, particularly quinine and quinidine The bark is a bitter, astringent, tonic herb that lowers fevers, relaxes spasms, is antimalarial (the alkaloid quinine) and slows the heart (the alkaloid quinidine). The bark is made into various preparations, such as tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures and powders. It is used internally in the treatment of malaria, neuralgia, muscle cramps and cardiac fibrillation. It is an ingredient in various proprietary cold and influenza remedies. It is also used as a gargle to treat sore throats. Large and too constant doses must be avoided, as they produce headache, giddiness and deafness.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating: 2

Other uses rating: Low (2/5). The powdered bark is often used in tooth-powders, owing to its astringency.

Teeth: Plants used to clean and care for the teeth.

How it is grown

Prefers high humidity and a temperature that does not fall below about 15°c. Requires a well-drained, moist soil and a position in full sun or partial shade.

Propagating it: Seed - Nodal softwood cuttings. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a sandy soil.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Huannco, Cinchona micrantha.

Synonyms

Cinchona affinis Wedd.