Other hollies
Many Ilex species have toxic berries and are not used for tea.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Yerba mate.
Ilex paraguariensis
Also found as Mate
A South American holly whose dried leaves make the caffeinated drink mate.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Contains caffeine. Very hot mate drunk regularly is linked to esophageal cancer; let it cool.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 122
- People who recorded it
- 87
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jun, Aug
- Records span
- 2006–2026
| January | 0 |
|---|---|
| February | 0 |
| March | 1 |
| April | 1 |
| May | 0 |
| June | 3 |
| July | 0 |
| August | 3 |
| September | 0 |
| October | 1 |
| November | 0 |
| December | 1 |
| January | 11 |
|---|---|
| February | 14 |
| March | 10 |
| April | 4 |
| May | 7 |
| June | 5 |
| July | 8 |
| August | 11 |
| September | 10 |
| October | 19 |
| November | 8 |
| December | 5 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Evergreen shrub or tree with leathery, toothed oval leaves.
- 02
Small white four-petaled flowers.
- 03
Small red to purple berries.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to Paraguay, northeastern Argentina and southern Brazil; widely cultivated.
Watch the plant stage
Leaves harvested year-round from cultivated plants.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Dry and brew leaves as mate.
Care for the patch
Wild stands are limited; buy from cultivated sources.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Ilex paraguariensisBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Ilex paraguariensisTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction