Cinchona asplenifolia, also known as Fern-leaved Cinchona, is a plant species native to the Andean region of South America. The word ‘Cinchona’ is pronounced /sɪŋˈkoʊnə/ and ‘asplenifolia’ is pronounced /æs.plɛ.nɪˈfoʊ.li.ə/. The IPA phonetic transcription of these words helps to clarify their correct pronunciation. The genus ‘Cinchona’ is named after the Countess of Chinchón and the specific epithet ‘asplenifolia’ means ‘fern-leaved’. This plant is known for its medicinal properties, including the treatment of malaria, and its bark has been used to produce quinine, a powerful antimicrobial agent.
Cinchona asplenifolia is a species of flower-bearing tree that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Commonly known as the Asplenium-leaved Cinchona, it is native to the tropical regions of South America, particularly found in the Andes Mountains.
The Cinchona asplenifolia tree typically grows to a height of 6 to 15 meters, with a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown. The leaves of this species are lanceolate or elliptic in shape, resembling the fronds of the Asplenium fern, hence the name "Asplenium-leaved Cinchona." The leaves are glossy, dark green, and measure around 10 to 30 centimeters in length.
One of the notable features of Cinchona asplenifolia is its tendency to produce brilliant clusters of white or pale pink flowers. These flowers are fragrant and borne in small groups at the ends of the branches. They give way to small, round fruits that contain numerous seeds.
The bark of Cinchona asplenifolia holds significant historical and medicinal importance due to its high alkaloid content. The tree is known for producing quinine, a bitter compound widely used in the treatment of malaria. Quinine is synthesized from the bark of Cinchona trees, including C. asplenifolia, as it possesses antimalarial properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Cinchona asplenifolia is also valued for its ornamental qualities. Its attractive foliage and eye-catching flowers make it an appealing choice for landscaping purposes in tropical and subtropical regions.
Overall, Cinchona asplenifolia is a tree species that plays a crucial role in both traditional medicine and horticulture, known for its fern-like leaves, white or
A species quite rich in alkaloids, but not recognized in the U.S.P. or B.P.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Cinchona asplenifolia" is a botanical name that consists of two parts: the genus name "Cinchona" and the species epithet "asplenifolia".
The genus name "Cinchona" was given by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the mid-18th century. He named it in honor of the Countess of Chinchón, Ana de Osorio, who was the wife of a Spanish viceroy in Peru. The Countess of Chinchón was known for her association with the medicinal properties of cinchona bark, which contains quinine and is used to treat malaria.
The species epithet "asplenifolia" is a combination of two Latin words: "asplenum", meaning "spleenwort" (a type of fern), and "folius", meaning "leaf".