Yerba mate, or Ilex paraguariensis, hails from South America. Brewing the dried leaves results in a traditional caffeinated drink (often referred to as ‘mate’), which is widely popular in this part of the world.
The plants themselves are evergreen, and can grow from shrubs into tall trees if conditions are right. With their delicate fall flowers and red berries, they make attractive backyard additions – even if you’re not fussed about harvesting the leaves.
