Pinckneya

Pinckneya is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species: Pinckneya bracteata, commonly known as the fever tree or Georgia bark.

Pinckneya bracteata is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, primarily found in coastal plain areas from South Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana. It prefers moist, acidic soils in woodlands and along stream banks.

The plant is noted for its showy bracts, which are large, pink to rose-colored structures that surround the small, white or yellowish flowers. These bracts are more conspicuous than the actual flowers and contribute to the plant's ornamental appeal. The flowering period is typically in late spring or early summer.

Historically, the bark of Pinckneya bracteata was used in traditional medicine as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria and other fevers, hence the common name "fever tree." However, its effectiveness for this purpose is debated and its use is now largely historical.

The plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental shrub for its attractive bracts and overall form. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.