Huannco (Cinchona micrantha)

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

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.

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

Not known. (Zone 10)