Quinine tree Cinchona pubescens Rubiaceae, the coffee family Native to Central and South America

The quinine tree changed history. Europeans who went to tropical countries often died from malaria. Peruvian natives taught them to cure malaria with quinine tree bark. Using the bark, Europeans could live in the tropics and stay healthy. They conquered more tropical lands, and colonial empires grew larger. Local people who harvested the bark were treated almost like slaves.

Tonic water was made with quinine tree bark. British colonials drank gin and tonics to prevent malaria.