Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
Guarana is a
tropical vine native to the
Amazon rainforest of Brazil.
It’s grown for its fruit, which
are berries somewhat
similar to coffee beans but
with one of the highest
concentrations of caffeine
found in any plant. It’s
used extensively in South
America in soft drinks for
its stimulant properties.
Guarana flowers throughout
the summer and fall
with fruit ripening in late
spring and summer. Male and female flowers arise on the same plant and fruits
are formed after pollination. Fruits tend to be reddish-orange and when mature,
they open to reveal a dark brown, shiny seed surrounded by a white aril, or a
specialty outgrowth from the seed. A mature Guarana fruit resembles an eyeball.
Guarana thrives in full sun, warm temperatures and high humidity.