Paraguay Tea, Mate
Ilex paraguariensis

Family: Aquifoliaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It grows up to 6-18 m high. The leaves are 8-12 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. It has somewhat leathery holly like leaves. They are alternate. They are pale green. The edges are coarsely toothed. The flowers are white. They are in a tuft with the flowers at the same level. The berries are small and yellow, red or black.

There are about 400 Ilex species. It is rich in caffeine. It has anti-diabetic, antioxidant and cardio-protective properties.

Where it is found

It is native to South America. It grows in cool, humid, tropical highlands. It is a subtropical plant. It often grows near streams. It is hardy. It needs reasonable drainage. It needs are even rainfall of at least 1,200 mm per year. It grows in areas with and average annual temperature of 21-22°C. The lowest temperature it can tolerate is -6°C. It requires a soil pH between 5.8-6.8. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Ecuador, Hawaii, India, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Panama, Paraguay (country/location of origin), Peru, South America, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are dried and crushed then made into tea using boiling water. They contain caffeine. The berries are also used to make tea.

It is a national drink in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are easily grown from seed. They should be sown immediately. But the time for germination can be long. Plants can also be grown by misted cuttings and by grafts. Plants are pollinated by insects.

Trees grow slowly. One tree can produce 30-40 kg of dried leaves per year. Leaves are only collected from the same tree every third year. The leaves are collected and roasted to inactivate the enzymes so the leaves keep their green colour.

Its other names

Local names

Arvore-do-mate, Arvore-da-congonha, Brazilian tea, Congonha, Erva-do-Paraguai, Erva mate, Ka'a, Kongon, Te do los jesuitas, Yerba mate

Synonyms

Ilex curitibensis Miers; Ilex domestica var. gabra Reissek; Ilex mate A. St.-Hil.; Ilex sorbilis Reissek; Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. var. dentata Miers;