Guarana vs Yoco

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) and Yoco (Paullinia yoco) — side-by-side cultivation, uses, and safety.

SIDE A

Paullinia cupana (Guarana) — botanical photograph

Side-by-side attributes

Attribute	Guarana	Yoco
Latin name	Paullinia cupana	Paullinia yoco
Family	Sapindaceae	Sapindaceae
Edible	yes	yes
Medicinal	no	no
Life cycle	—	—
Mature height	10.0 m	15.0 m
Light	Full sun, Partial sun/shade	Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water	Moist	Moist
Soil	Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)	Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness	10-12	10-12
pH range	—	—
Edible parts	Seed	Inner bark, Sap, Stem
Propagation	—	—

III

Which to pick

Both have their place

Guarana and Yoco cover similar territory. Pick based on what you can actually grow (climate, soil) and what's locally available. See the cultivation rows above for the deciding factors.

Frequently asked

What is the main difference between Guarana and Yoco?

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) and Yoco (Paullinia yoco) are both in the Sapindaceae family. See the side-by-side table above for cultivation needs, edible parts, and medicinal uses.

Can Guarana and Yoco be combined?

Plant combinations should be evaluated case by case. Check the safety/contraindications section on each plant's profile (Guarana and Yoco) before mixing. Some combinations are synergistic, others can interact with medication.

Are these plants safe?

Every plant profile includes a Cautions section with contraindications, drug interactions, and population warnings. Consult a healthcare professional before using either for medicinal purposes.

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