Mate tea bush

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

The infusion drink mate tea from the cut dry leaves is traditionally drunk in South America, but also in countries such as Syria and Iraq. In Argentina, about 80% of the population drinks 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.