Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.

Common Name: Yerba Mate
Family: Aquifoliaceae Bartl.

Country of Origin: Paraguay and adjacent Argentina / Brazil

Description: Shrub of South America especially N. Argentina, Basin of the Parana, Uruguay, and Paraguay to S. Matto Grosso (Brazil). An infusion of the dried leaves yields the tea 'Mate' which is an important beverage in South America. This species was used as a beverage by the Guarani Indians long before the Spanish conquest. Derived from wild and cultivated plants. The leaves contain up to 1 percent caffeine.

Uses: Medicinally: Used to lower lipid metabolism, may also help prevent cardiovascular disease. Some data suggests Yerba Mate may help combat obesity, though more studies are needed.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.

Accession Data:

Accession # 199900578
Source: John Maugeri
Accession Date: 10-01-1999
Bench: 2116 - MED:Mattoral B
- Currently: active - healthy
- Qty: 2 confirmed on 03-12-2025

Classification:

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
SubClass: euasterid II
Order: Aquifoliales
SubOrder:
Family: Aquifoliaceae
SubFamily:
Tribe:
SubTribe:

Flowering Data:

This accession has been observed in bloom on:

Year	Jan				Feb				Mar					Apr				May				Jun					Jul				Aug				Sep					Oct				Nov				Dec
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004

References (internal):

References (external):

EEB greenhouse tour guide prepared by Richard Piacentini, no date given, original source material from Uphof, 1968 & Schery, 1972
The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Last accessed on Friday, March 25, 2016.

data regenerated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:12:08 -0400 [bcm v4.0]