guarana plant
Also known as Paullinia cupana, guarana
Guaraná ( from the Portuguese guaraná ; 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 beans, which are about the size of a coffee bean.
AI overview
Guaraná is a climbing plant native to the Amazon basin, particularly Brazil, that belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is recognizable by its large leaves and flower clusters. It is best known for its seeds, which are roughly the size of coffee beans and come from the plant's beans.
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Article
8 sectionsContents
- History and culture
- Composition
- Safety
- Uses
- Soft drinks
- See also
- References
- External links
Guaraná ( from the Portuguese guaraná ; 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 beans, which are about the size of a coffee bean.
Guaraná is common in soft drinks in Brazil, and is a major source of caffeine for many South Americans. Products containing guaraná can be effective stimulants: the seeds can be up to about 6% caffeine. For comparison, green coffee beans are about 1–3% caffeine. As an additive, it 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 insects from the berry and seeds.