Guarana
Paullinia cupanafam. Sapindaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 2A77 — Paullinia cupana
Paullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupanaPaullinia cupana
IOverview
Overview
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing shrub native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and neighboring countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun or shade and grows up to 10 meters tall. Its seeds are edible and have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples. Known for its ornamental value and traditional use, guarana is a distinctive member of the Sapindaceae family, recognized by its heart-shaped leaves and red berries.
Quick answers
What is Guarana?
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing shrub native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and neighboring countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun or shade and grows up to 10 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Guarana thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 10 meters tall. Propagate through seeds. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture, especially during dry periods, as it prefers consistently damp conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Guarana for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, light-loving seedling for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A guarana seed or young plant, potting soil, a container, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil and ensure the container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start with a seed in a small pot, keeping it moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Place the plant in partial shade to avoid direct sunlight. Keep soil consistently moist.
- 6
Ongoing care
Move the plant to full sun after two weeks. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on maintaining the plant's shape and removing dead leaves; guarana seeds are not typically harvested.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Chocolate, Coffee, Drink
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native
Americas5 regions
native (5)ColombiaEcuadorGuyanaPeruVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapindaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2a77071c-f8a7-4bb9-81cf-235634875d5e
Decision aid
Choosing between Guarana and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.