Quinine tree (Cinchona pubescens)

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

A native species to Central and South America, Red Bark or Red Cinchona (Cinchona pubescens) is a usually 10 m tall deciduous tree with small, thick, and hairy branches known as an effective medicinal plant for malaria due to the quinine content of its bark. It is fast-growing and flowering starts 2 - 3 years after planting. The bark is a bitter, astringent, tonic herb and made into powder, tablets, liquid extracts and tinctures.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in tonic waters, some liqueurs, carbonated drinks, baked goods, candy etc. — Quinine, extracted from the bark of the tree, is used as a bitter flavouring in tonic waters, some liqueurs, carbonated drinks, baked goods, candy etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Cool, humid, mountain regions at elevations of 1,000 - 3,700 metres. (Zone 10)