Red cinchona, Redbark
Cinchona pubescens

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 10-30 m tall. The small branches are thick and hairy. The leaf blades are broadly oval. They are 45 cm long by 15 cm wide. They are thin textures and hairy on both sides. The flowering arrangement is 25 cm long. There are many flowers. They are pink or red. The fruit are capsules 2.5 cm long and are twice as long as wide.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs a temperature above 15-18°C. It grows on steep mountain slopes in tropical forests. It grows between 300-3,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bolivia, Central America, China, Colombia, Costa Rica (country/location of origin), Ecuador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Pacific, Panama, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, South America, St Helena, Taiwan, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The bark is the source of an extract used to flavour liqueurs, bitters and soft drinks. It is also used to flavour baked goods and relishes.

Edible parts

Bark, spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by cuttings.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Jesuit's bark, Kina, Kinaboom, Kuinin, Peruvian bark, Pohon kina, Quino, Quinquina jaune

Synonyms

Cinchona cordifolia Mutis; Cinchona succirubra Pav. ex Klotzsch; and many others