Plants

guaraná

Paullinia cupana Kunth

Family: Sapindaceae · Genus: Paullinia

Secondary I Low No biomass production

Amazonian shrubby climber, today managed as a shrub in monoculture. Embrapa lists guaraná among perennial crops in SAFs with mean yield of 100 kg/ha of dry seed and productive life up to 30 years. Caffeine-rich seeds (4–7%) — used in soft drinks and herbal medicine. Low-stratum species, prefers partial shade; consorts well with Brazil-nut, cupuaçu, and timber species.

Götsch succession

Götsch stage: Secondary I
Ecological role: Early secondary
Primary stratum: Low
Strata: Low
Biomass class: No biomass production

Environment

Light requirement: Partial shade
Water requirement: High
Drought tolerance: Low
Waterlogging tolerance: Low
Soil pH range: 5–6.5
Preferred soil texture: Loamy, Clayey

Morphology

Mature height: 2–5 m
Recommended spacing: 4–5 m
Root system: Taproot
Root depth: Deep
Growth rate: Slow
Lifespan: ≥ 30 years
Time to first harvest: 36 months
Productive lifespan: 30 years

Biomes & climate

Amazon Native

Köppen classes

Tropical rainforest (Af) Suitable
Tropical monsoon (Am) Suitable
Tropical savanna with dry winter (Aw) Suitable

Where it fits in a guild

Guaraná takes the Low stratum in the Secondary I phase of succession — in a guild it shares the line with species from the other strata, each harvesting light at its own height, in its own time.

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🪴 Cultivation

Requires deep, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; does not tolerate waterlogging. Clonal propagation by cuttings is preferred over seed (slow germination and high genetic variability). Production begins around the 4th year; fruits ripen January–April in the Amazon.