Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific species of plant in the genus Cinchona, known as a Peruvian shrub or small tree. It is characterized by large, glossy leaves and clusters (cymes) of fragrant flowers that range in color from yellow to green or red. It is cultivated primarily for its bark, which is a source of medicinal alkaloids, most notably quinine.

Usage

• The term "Cinchona ledgeriana" is a scientific or botanical name. It is used in formal, academic, and horticultural contexts to refer to this specific species of cinchona tree.
• It is typically used as a singular, countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The plantation was established to grow Cinchona ledgeriana for quinine production.
  • Botanists studied the alkaloid content in the bark of Cinchona ledgeriana.
  • Unlike other species, Cinchona ledgeriana has particularly high concentrations of quinine.

Advanced Usage

• The name is often used in historical contexts related to the treatment of malaria, as quinine derived from its bark was the primary treatment for centuries.
• In taxonomic writing, the binomial name is always italicized: Cinchona ledgeriana.

Variants and Related Words

• Cinchona (n): The genus name for a group of trees and shrubs, several species of which yield quinine.
• Quinine (n): A bitter alkaloid used as an antimalarial drug, historically extracted from cinchona bark.
• Ledgeriana: The specific epithet, often written with a lowercase 'l' when following the genus name: .

Synonyms

• Botanical Synonym: var. (an older taxonomic classification).
• Common Name: Ledger bark, Quinine tree. (Note: "Quinine tree" can refer to other species as well).

Related Phrases / Terms

• Cinchona bark: The medicinal product for which is cultivated.
• Antimalarial bark: A descriptive phrase for the bark of this and related species.

Noun

1. Peruvian shrub or small tree having large glossy leaves and cymes of fragrant yellow to green or red flowers; cultivated for its medicinal bark