Ilex paraguayensis St. Hil.
- Common Name: Yerba Mate, Paraguay Tea
- Family: Aquifoliaceae Bartl.
- Country of Origin: Paraguay and adjacent Argentina / Brazil
- Habitat:
- 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.
Additional images for this accession:
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Accession Data:
- Accession # 199900578
- Source: John Maugeri
- Accession Date: 10-01-1999
- Bench: 2116 - MED:Mattoral B
- Qty: 1 confirmed on 04-18-2013
Classification:
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- SubClass: euasterid II
- Order: Aquifoliales
- SubOrder:
- Family: Aquifoliaceae
- SubFamily:
- Tribe:
- SubTribe:
References:
EEB greenhouse tour guide prepared by Richard Piacentini, no date given, original source material from Uphof, 1968 & Schery, 1972
data regenerated on Wed, 22 May 2013 06:20:54 -0400
