PlantFiles: Yerba Mate, Yerba Maté, Paraguay Tea
Ilex paraguariensis

We have two of these growing in the Herb Garden at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. One has been there for a number of years and is about 12 feet tall but spindly such that it fits into a small bed with other low-growing plants around it. We are somewhere between zones 8b and 9a and this tree had no problem with one night of 18 degreesF last Winter. The soil has a pH of 7.2 and the site is in full sun. The other specimen was just planted this year in a somewhat poorly-draining, semi-shady area so results are inconclusive at this time.

I decided to grow yerba mate as a houseplant because I adore it as a tea. I knew I wouldn't use my plant for tea, but I like to grow plants that have some significance for me.

It is VERY easy to grow indoors. Even in sparse winter light, with regular watering it grows fast. Very appreciative of the bits of seaweed fertilizer I give it occasionally. It's also resistant to spider mites (!!)

Many kinds of tea are made from this plant, depending on how the herb is prepared. In the southern Brazilian states they drink a strong one called "chimarrão". Maté is also highly appreciated. Some studies, however, have been noticing a high incidence of mouth and throat cancer associated with the drinks made out of Ilex paraguariensis.

The leaves of this shrub are brewed to make a kind of tea called Maté in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. It contains caffeine, tastes bitter (that is why some people add sugar in it) but it is really good!!!