Ilex paraguariensis (mate bush)

• Origin: South America, Brazil to northeastern Argentina
  
• Care: Easy / Medium / Advanced
• Suitable as a houseplant?: Yes / Limited / No
• Suitable locations: south-facing window, west-facing window
  
• Special features: The plant that goes with the popular drink. Easy to care for.

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The yerba mate shrub or yerba mate tree, Ilex paraguariensis , is a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae) native to South America. It grows in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and occasionally in northern Argentina up to an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. It is a tree that can reach up to 18 meters in height, but like any tree, it can be kept small through pruning. On plantations, the plants are cut back to a height of about 4 to 5 meters to facilitate harvesting. The leathery leaves are approximately 10 to 20 cm long and 3 to 8 cm wide. The leaves contain substances such as caffeine, theobromine, flavonoids, and saponins, and are used fresh or dried to make an invigorating tea.

To obtain the so-called Yerba or Erva Mate (from Spanish, "hierba" - herb) from the leaves, they are briefly heated over fire after harvesting (which prevents them from turning black) and then dried and pulverized.

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You will receive a plant in a 12cm pot, approximately 20cm tall.