Guayusa is a tree that grows under the canopy of the Amazon Rainforest in the regions of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. Once wild grown, this species is now thought of as a cultivated plant. The botanical cousin of Yerba Mate, the leaves of the Guayusa tree contain natural caffeine as well as theobromine (commonly found in chocolate) and L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea).
Guayusa is one of our favorites to brew kombucha with or enjoy on its own, as it contains no tannins and lends a caffeine kick plus a nice sweetness.