Yerba Mate
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts
| Common name | Yerba mate |
| Scientific name | Ilex paraguariensis |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened |
| Type | Evergreen shrub that grows into a tree |
| Habitat | Near springs and rivers; rich, moist, sandy soil |
| Native range | Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay |
| Colours | Greenish-white flowers, small red berries |
| Height | Up to 15 metres |
| Edible parts | Leaves, brewed as a tea |
| Special feature | Leaves contain caffeine |
Yerba Mate is also known as Ilex Paraguariensis, belonging to the family Aquifoliaceae. It is an evergreen plant and its leaves are used in making a drink called Yerba mate. People have traditionally used it as a stimulating drink. The leaves contain caffeine and antioxidants, but yerba mate is not a proven medicine. It can also be found in energy drinks. Argentina and Brazil are the largest producers of Yerba Mate. In many South American Countries, it is considered a National Drink.
History
Yerba mate was first consumed by native Guarani and spread to Paraguay and Southern Brazil. It became common in the European Colonization. In the late 16th Century, in the Spanish colony of Paraguay, both Indigenous Guarani people and the Spanish settlers consumed it. During the 17th Century, its consumption was spread from River Plate to Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia.
Anatomy
Yerba mate can grow 15 meter tall and it begins as a shrub and matures to a tree. The leaves of this plant are evergreen and they are often called “Erva” or “Yerba”, which means herb. The leaves are 70 to 110 mm long and 30 to 55 mm broad. Its flowers are small and they have four petals and they are greenish white in color. The fruit of the plant bears small red berries with 4 to 6 mm in diameter. Its flowers are pollinated by flies and bees. And its seeds are dispersed by birds.
Habitat
The Yerba Mate plant is native to Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Traditionally it is consumed in South and Central America, Bolivia and Chile. In Syria it is very popular, and there it is imported from Argentina.
Planting
The Yerba Mate plant is hard to propagate and its seeds need stratifying. It may take 2 months to 1 year to germinate. It grows naturally near springs and rivers.
Soil for Planting
The Yerba Mate plant grows in well drained and sandy, fine grained soil. It prefers rich and moist soil.
Uses
Yerba mate is best known as a drink, and its leaves contain caffeine and other natural compounds. The Leaves of this plant are used in the making herbal tea and these leaves contain 24 minerals and Vitamins, 15 amino acids, caffeine and antioxidants. People have traditionally used its tea for headache and nerve pain. The plant is used as a stimulant to relieve physical and mental tiredness. Usually its leaves are used in the making of beverages.
Flowering and Maturing Care
This plant requires full sunlight to partial shade. Organic matter is also ideal for it. Pruning is also good every 1 to 3 years.
Pests and Pesticides
The Yerba mate plant is fairly resistant to pests and diseases, but it is not immune to them. It requires protection from weeds.
Watering
The Yerba mate plant grows in the areas where the average rainfall is high. If its grown in pots and indoors, it requires regular watering.
Temperature and Humidity
The Yerba mate plant prefers a humid and warm climate. It grows at temperatures ranging from 60 and 85 degree F.
Harvest
The Yerba mate plant is ready for being harvested when it has reached 4 to 6 years of age. Harvesting occurs once every 2 years. Experienced workers gather the leaves of the plant.
Yerba mate FAQs
What is yerba mate?
Yerba mate is an evergreen plant whose leaves are brewed into a tea-like drink. It is a national drink in many South American countries.
Where does yerba mate come from?
Yerba mate is native to Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The Guarani people were the first to drink it.
How tall does the yerba mate plant grow?
It starts as a shrub and can mature into a tree up to 15 metres tall. It has small greenish-white flowers and red berries.
Does yerba mate have caffeine?
Yes. The leaves contain caffeine, which is why yerba mate is used as a stimulant and is added to energy drinks.
How long does yerba mate take to harvest?
A plant is ready to harvest when it is 4 to 6 years old. After that, workers pick the leaves about once every 2 years.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
