Cinchona is a genus of trees and shrubs native to the tropical regions of South America. These plants are best known for their bark, which contains alkaloids such as quinine, historically used to treat malaria. The bark has a bitter taste and has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. The discovery of quinine in the 17th century led to the widespread use of cinchona bark as a remedy for fevers. Today, while synthetic alternatives exist, cinchona remains important in herbal medicine and is still used in some tonic waters for its flavor and health benefits.