Fruto, semilla y germinación de Ladenbergia oblongifolia (Humb. ex Mutis) L. Andersson “árbol de la quina”

Due to the presence of medicinal properties, Peruvian communities indiscriminately use the bark of many species of “quina tree” (Cinchona, Ladenbergia, and Remijia; Rubiaceae) to combat infectious diseases such as malaria and even Covid-19. This situation highlights the importance of developing investigations that contribute to the massive propagation of these plants and the reforestation of their habitats. In this context, we aimed to study the fruit, seed, and germination of Ladenbergia oblongifolia to have efficient resources for its cultivation and propagation. The biological material came from the district of Aramango (Amazonas, Peru) and was deposited at the Herbarium Truxillense for its determination, subsequent characterization of the fruit and seed, and germination tests. Based on the results, it was determined that the fruits have a length of 5.75 cm, a width of 0.74 cm, a weight of 1.14 gr, and 71 seeds on average. The seeds are 1.01 cm long, 0.72 cm wide, 0.072´ 10^-2 gr average weight, and 83.3% germination rate. Therefore, it is concluded that the study of the fruit, seed, and germination of Ladenbergia oblongifolia allows the differentiation of this species from others of the genera Cinchona and Remijia. These findings constitute fundamental information both for the taxonomic clarification of Ladenbergia oblongifolia and the adequate agronomic management of this species. At the same time, it encourages the implementation of various conservation and reforestation programs aimed at promoting the sustainability of this species.