What is Cinchona pubescens?
Q: What is Cinchona pubescens?
A: Cinchona pubescens is a type of tree known for having a high content of quinine in its bark. It is used for making quinine, which is used in the treatment of malaria.
Q: Where is Cinchona pubescens native to?
A: Cinchona pubescens is native to several countries in South America, including Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Q: What is the height of Cinchona pubescens?
A: Cinchona pubescens can grow up to around 10 meters in height.
Q: What is the main reason for the invasive spread of Cinchona pubescens?
A: The main reason for the invasive spread of Cinchona pubescens is its ability to grow quickly and spread by both seeds and root suckers. The shade it creates also prevents other plants from growing.
Q: Where has Cinchona pubescens become an invasive species?
A: Cinchona pubescens has become an invasive species in several places, including tropical islands where it has been planted as a crop for quinine, such as the Galapagos Islands and Hawaii.
Q: How is Cinchona pubescens controlled in the Galapagos National Park?
A: Attempts have been made to control Cinchona pubescens in the Galapagos National Park using a variety of methods. However, it is not affected by many poisons and can regrow from a stump or piece of root left in the ground.
Q: How much would it cost to control Cinchona pubescens over all of Santa Cruz Island?
A: According to research by the Charles Darwin Foundation, controlling Cinchona pubescens over all of Santa Cruz Island would cost several million US dollars.
