China Officinalis

China (Cinchona officinalis) is a bush from the Rubiaceae family, South America native. The tree cork contains alkaloids, including quinine that has recognized medicinal properties. The quinine was used to treat malaria. The quinquina or Kina-kina was imported from Europe, under the name "Peruvian coat". It was in this country that the Indians found their antimalarial properties. The coat owes its name to the Peru vice-king wife, Countess of Chinchon, who had cured herself with its use.