Family: Sapindaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Paullinia yoco (yoco, yoko) is a woody vine native to the tropical forests of southern Colombia through Peru in South America. It typically grows in humid lowland rainforest environments, where it climbs through surrounding vegetation. The plant is best known for its traditional use by Indigenous communities, who prepare infusions from its bark. These preparations have long been used as a natural stimulant, valued for their caffeine content and cultural importance in Amazonian regions.

Risks & Threats
Although Paullinia yoco is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, including vigorous growth and the ability to thrive in warm, wet tropical climates similar to those found in the islands. Species with these characteristics may have the potential to spread beyond cultivation if introduced. Caution is recommended to ensure that it will not negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, and ongoing evaluation is needed to determine its invasive potential under local conditions.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Limited ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively