Guaraná ( from the Portuguese guaraná [ɡwaɾɐˈna]), Paullinia cupana, syns. P. crysan, P. sorbilis) is a climbing plant in the family Sapindaceae, native to the Amazon basin and especially common in Brazil. Guaraná has large leaves and clusters of flowers, and is best known for the seeds from its fruits, which are about the size of a coffee bean. As a dietary supplement or herb, guaraná seed is an effective stimulant: it contains about twice the concentration of caffeine found in coffee beans (about 2–8% caffeine in guarana seeds, compared to about 1–3% for coffee beans). The additive has gained notoriety for being used in energy drinks. As with other plants producing caffeine, the high concentration of caffeine is a defensive toxin that repels herbivores from the berry and its seeds.The colour of the fruit ranges from brown to red and it contains black seeds that are partly covered by white arils. The colour contrast when the fruit is split open has been compared with the appearance of eyeballs and has become the basis of an origin myth among the Sateré-Mawé people.
Guarana is resistant to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. With regard to care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Small plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Guaranat is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not call for extensive care experience.
How to keep Paullinia Cupana.
Light
Guarana is indigenous to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate both full sun and full shade, reflecting its hardy, adaptable nature.
Temperature
Guarana comes from tropical areas where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It generally cannot withstand cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Use organic fertilizers (such as fish emulsion or compost) instead of chemical ones for guarana. Give young plants higher nitrogen and phosphorus in spring. Work compost or fertilizer into the soil before or after planting. For mature plants, apply a balanced fertilizer or one targeting specific deficiencies in spring. Nutrient shortages result in small leaves, shortened branches, yellow or bronze foliage, acidic fruits, premature fruit drop, and fruit splitting.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Paullinia
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 10.06 m to 11.89 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.05 m to 4.88 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador
Other names.
