Peru's National Tree: The Cinchona (Quina) – Source of Quinine

Cinchona officinalis: Peru's Botanical Emblem

The Cinchona tree (Cinchona officinalis), known as quina or Jesuit's bark, is Peru's national tree—celebrated for its historic, medicinal, and cultural significance.

1. Quinine: The Malaria Cure

• Bark contains quinine—first effective antimalarial.
• Discovered by Indigenous Andeans; used by Jesuits (1630s) → Europe.
• Enabled colonial expansion in Africa/Asia; saved millions.
• Synthetic chloroquine (1940s) reduced demand; still used for resistant malaria.

2. Historical Impact

• "Fever tree" bark became more valuable than gold (17th–19th c.).
• Sparked biopiracy, smuggling, plantation wars (Dutch in Java, British in India).
• Peru's early monopoly lost; but Cinchona remains symbol of Andean knowledge.

3. Cultural Symbol

• On Peru's coat of arms (vicuña, cinchona, cornucopia).
• On coins, stamps, banknotes.
• Represents natural wealth, scientific contribution, resilience.

4. Botany

• Evergreen, 15–25 m, Andean cloud forests (1,500–3,000 m).
• Glossy opposite leaves; fragrant white/pink tubular flowers.
• Genus Cinchona ~23 species; several in Peru.

5. Conservation

• Overharvesting & habitat loss threatened wild populations.
• Peru: Protected areas (e.g., Amarakaeri, Manu), national reserves, sustainable cultivation programs.
• CITES Appendix II (regulated trade).