Tea holly
Ilex theezans

Family: Aquifoliaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 12-18 m high. It has a round crown. The trunk is smooth and 30-50 cm across. The leaves are 5-10 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowers are in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is round and red. It is 4-8 mm across. There are 2-6 small seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in high latitude regions in Brazil. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Brazil, Guyana, Paraguay, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The leaves are mixed with true mate to add a bitter flavour.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seeds are removed by crushing the fruit is running water. The seeds have a hard seed coat and need to be stored in a cool, moist places for an extended period. The seeds are then planted and germinate in 30-50 days.

Its other names

Local names

Cauna-amargosa, Cauna, Cauna-de-folha-grande, Carvalho-nranco, Congonha, Miqueira, Orelha-de-nico

Synonyms

Ilex achrodonta Reissek; Ilex achrodonta var. angustifolia Reissek; Ilex fertilis Reissek; Ilex theezans var. achrodonta (Reissek) Loes; Prinos serratus Vell.; and others