Peruvian Bark (Cinchona calisaya)

Family: Rubiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Peruvian Bark or Cinchona calisaya is an evergreen shrub or small tree up to 8 m tall and is a known medicinal plant used as a treatment for fevers and malaria due to quinine contents from the bark. However, consumption in high dosage should be avoided as it can cause various side effects such as headache, rash, abdominal pain, deafness, cinchonism, and blindness.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

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

Habitat & North American Range

Cool, humid, mountain regions. Andean rainforests. (Zone 10)