| Yerba Mate | |
| Ilex paraguariensis | |
| a.k.a. Paraguay Tea, Jesuit Tea, South American Holly |
Widely cultivated South American tree whose leaves are used for tea.
Description: Medium or large sized tree up to 60ft but often remaining much smaller.
Trees are
dioecious and male and female trees are needed to produce fruits. Naturally
occurs in a climate that is hot and wet during summer, cold and dry during
winter.
Hardiness: Subtropical, will stand light frosts, probably hardy to 22-25F.
Growing Environment: Seems
to grow well in sun and part-shade. Water fairly regularly.
Yerba Mate flowers blooming
Propagation: Often by cuttings, but seeds are used as well.
Uses: Dried leaves are used to make a tea, a historically important drink in Central and South America. Yerba mate contains some caffeine and is often drank as a coffee alternative. Leaves also have numerous medicinal uses. Yerba Mate is the national drink in several Latin American countries and the preparation of the beverage has in some cases, become almost a ceremony.
Native Range: Native to southern South America.