Cinchona nitida

Cinchona nitida is a member of the Rubiaceae family, a group of flowering plants commonly known as the coffee family. The species was first formally described in 1799 by Ruiz & Pav. It is indigenous to Peru, where it grows in its natural habitat. Cinchona species are well known for their medicinal properties, particularly their use in the production of quinine, an important compound historically used to treat malaria. Cinchona nitida contributes to the biodiversity of the genus within the Andean region.