Sapindaceae
Barbasco
Paullinia pinnata
Also known as Paullinia hostmannii, Tondin surinamensium, Pancovia heckelii, Paullinia grandiflora
Zones 5–9Sun Partial SunWater ModerateCare High
Tropical Plants · Native Plants · Barbasco · Tropical · Vine · Climbing · Medicinal · Rare · Sapindaceae · Humid · Shade
Pet-safeTropicalMedicinalAttracts pollinators
Currently out of stock everywhereStock updated 9/6/2026
Barbasco is a challenging tropical vine requiring consistent moisture and partial shade protection. This climbing plant needs strong support structures and regular pruning to manage its vigorous growth. Best suited for experienced gardeners in warm, humid climates.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged · Every 5-7 days
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6–7.5
- Temperature
- -10°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
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Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 10 ft – 20 ft
- Spread
- 10 ft
- Spacing
- 72 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Angola, Argentina Northeast, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil West-Central, Burkina, Burundi, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central African Repu, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica
- Attracts
- Bees
Sources: trefle
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