Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Guarana. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

Description

A creeping, climbing vine, sometimes reaching large heights as it scales up taller trees. Leaves contain five leaflets. The tree bears small, white male and female flowers on the same tree.

Hardiness

Probably not frost hardy.

Growing Environment

Not available.

Propagation

Almost exclusively by seed which lose their viability within 72 hours of harvest.

Uses

Traditionally, seeds are roasted for several hours, then beaten into a paste before being smoked for a couple of months over a very low fire at which point they are ready for grating into powder. The powder is taken as stimulant, often with water or is used to flavor soft drinks and syrups. Guarana has a higher caffeine content than both coffee or tea. It is also used as a health-tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-helminthic, and a reliever of fatigue. These benefits have not been tested.

Native Range

Native to South America.

Related Species

Sapindaceae
	Blighia sapida Akee		Dimocarpus didyma Alupag
	Dimocarpus longana Longan		Litchi chinensis Lychee
	Melicoccus bijugatus Mamoncillo		Nephelium echinulatum Nephelium echinulatum
	Nephelium lappaceum Rambutan		Nephelium maingayi Nude Rambutan
	Nephelium mutabile Pulasan		Nephelium uncinatum Hooked Rambutan
	Nephelium xerospermoides Hairless Rambutan		Paullinia cupana Guarana
	Saponaria detergens Soap Nut		Talisia esculenta Belizian Genip