Ilex paraguariensis YERBA MATE (plant)

Argentine tea, also known as Yerba Mate or scientifically as Ilex paraguariensis, is a small tree reaching about 3 meters in height.
It belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family, the same family as holly. It is native to Argentina, as well as Paraguay.

The foliage of paraguayan tea tree is dense and evergreen. The fragrant leaves are oval, measuring between 6 and 12 cm in length. They are dark green with a leathery texture and grow alternately along the stems.

The flowering is less remarkable than the foliage. The flowers generally appear in clusters during the summer. They are small, white, and possess very thin petals.

- Mate discover :

A Cultural Pillar of South America

Yerba Mate live plant is a legendary evergreen shrub, deeply rooted in the cultural and social heritage of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Revered for millennia by the Guarani people, this beautiful member of the holly family embodies a unique tradition of sharing and conviviality.

An Elegant and Graphic Silhouette

This attractive shrub is distinguished by its leathery, glossy green foliage and discreet small flowers that give way to lovely decorative berries.
Acquiring our vigorous young potted plant from Ethnoplants allows you to integrate a centerpiece of South American ethnobotany into your collection.

An Accessible and Responsible Ornamental Crop

Easy to acclimatise in pots in a temperate greenhouse or a very bright indoor space, Yerba Mate appreciates a rich substrate and regular watering to thrive.
Cultivated exclusively for horticultural observation and biodiversity preservation, this collector's variety naturally rich in active compounds must not be consumed under any circumstances.

- Planting and Cultivation:

• Plant yerba mate root ball just above the collar in a 5 to 10-liter pot, then firm the soil gently.
• Use a slightly acidic substrate based on heather soil or peat.
• Remember to drain the bottom of the pot well with a layer of gravel or clay pebbles.
• Water the crop copiously at the base of the plant.
• Place it in a warm and bright location.

- Substrate:

Paraguayan tea tree prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil that is high in organic matter and slightly acidic.

- Exposure:

It prefers a sunny exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. However, sufficient sunlight promotes better growth.

- Watering:

Watering must be regular, especially during periods of active growth. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot issues.

- Hardiness:

Only at adult size is it relatively hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures down to approximately -5°C for short periods. However, it is preferable to protect it from frosts at the end of the autumn period. It is cultivated in warm climate zones (USDA zones 8 to 11).

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

There are three different ways to reproduce it: by seed, by stem cuttings (which is very delicate), or by layering (burying a stem of the mother plant so that it forms roots while remaining attached to the tree).

- Diseases / Pests:

It is sometimes attacked by fungal diseases such as Anthracnose, which forms dark spots on the leaves, or powdery mildew, which causes a white felty coating on the leaves. Insects such as aphids or scale insects (mealybugs) can also weaken the plant by sucking its sap.

This article was written by Julien on 07/16/2026.