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Summary
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.
Physical Characteristics

Cinchona micrantha is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Cinchona affinis Wedd.
Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Inner bark
Edible Uses: Drink
Quinine, extracted from the bark of the tree, is used as a bitter flavouring in tonic water and carbonated drinks[ 238 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Cardiac Febrifuge Malaria Tonic
Huannco has a long history of native use, especially as a treatment for fevers and malaria. Modern research has shown it to be a very effective treatment for fevers, and especially as a treatment and preventative of malaria. The bark contains various alkaloids, particularly quinine and quinidine[ 238 ] The bark is a bitter, astringent, tonic herb that lowers fevers, relaxes spasms, is antimalarial (the alkaloid quinine) and slows the heart (the alkaloid quinidine)[ 238 ]. The bark is made into various preparations, such as tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures and powders[ 238 ]. It is used internally in the treatment of malaria, neuralgia, muscle cramps and cardiac fibrillation[ 238 ]. It is an ingredient in various proprietary cold and influenza remedies[ 238 ]. It is also used as a gargle to treat sore throats[ 238 ]. Large and too constant doses must be avoided, as they produce headache, giddiness and deafness[ 418 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Teeth
Other uses rating: Low (2/5). The powdered bark is often used in tooth-powders, owing to its astringency[ 418 ].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers high humidity and a temperature that does not fall below about 15°c[ 238 ]. Requires a well-drained, moist soil and a position in full sun or partial shade[ 238 ].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Propagation
Seed - Nodal softwood cuttings[ 200 ]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a sandy soil[ 200 ].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Huannco, Cinchona micrantha.
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru.
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
None Known
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Ruiz & Pav.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
Readers comment
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Subject : Cinchona micrantha
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