Mate tea bush

The evergreen mate shrub, also known as the mate tree, is a plant species of the holly genus (Ilex) in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae), which can reach a height of 12-14 meters. 30 to 40 white flowers stand together in thick clusters. The 0.6 to 0.8 cm thick red-purple fruit is a drupe. The mate bush is native to South America (Brazil, Panama, Argentina), preferably at medium altitudes of 400-800m.

The dried leaves, mate folium, are used phytotherapeutically.

The infusion drink mate tea made from the cut dry leaves is traditionally drunk in South America, but also in countries such as Syria and Iraq. In Argentina, around 80% of the population drink mate at least once a week.

Ilex paraguariensis is, among other Ilex species, the parent plant of Mate folium tostum, the official (roasted) mate leaves.