The Story of Stolen Cinchona Tree and Quinine

This podcast episode delves into the captivating history of the Cinchona tree and its bark, which contains quinine, a key substance used in treating malaria. The episode explores how the British Empire, driven by the need to protect their troops from malaria, sought to obtain the valuable Cinchona bark. The story involves a race between British and Dutch expeditions, with individuals like Suclemons Markham and Charles Ledger playing pivotal roles in collecting and transporting valuable seeds. The episode highlights the clash between capitalism and traditional knowledge, as well as the long-lasting impact of colonialism on the global trade and availability of quinine.