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 cinchona tree played a crucial role in the development of modern medicine and is often referred to as the "fever tree" due to its medicinal properties. The bark of cinchona has been harvested for centuries, particularly by indigenous peoples, and later by European colonizers. Today, it is still significant in the production of quinine, which is used in tonic water and as a treatment for certain medical conditions. The conservation of cinchona species is important for both ecological balance and continued medicinal use.