Definition

Noun: - A small tree native to Ecuador and Peru, characterized by very large, glossy leaves and large clusters of fragrant pink flowers. It is cultivated primarily for its bark, which has medicinal properties.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Cinchona pubescens is an important source of quinine.
  • The plantation was established to grow Cinchona pubescens for its medicinal bark.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and pharmacological contexts, is often discussed for its historical and ongoing role as a source of alkaloids like quinine and quinidine.
  • The study compared the alkaloid content of Cinchona pubescens bark from different regions.

Variants and Related Words

• Cinchona tree (n): A general term for trees of the genus , which includes .
  • Several species of cinchona tree are used in medicine.
• Quinine (n): A key medicinal alkaloid historically derived from the bark of cinchona trees, including .
  • Quinine, extracted from cinchona bark, was the first effective treatment for malaria.

Synonyms

• Quinine tree: A common name for trees of the genus , referring to their most famous product.
• Red cinchona: Another name sometimes used for , likely referring to its flowers or bark characteristics.

Noun

1. small tree of Ecuador and Peru having very large glossy leaves and large panicles of fragrant pink flowers; cultivated for its medicinal bark