Brazilian-tea (Ilex paraguariensis, Mém. Mus. Hist. Nat. 9: 351 (1822))

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Author: A.St.-Hil.

Bibliography: Mém. Mus. Hist. Nat. 9: 351 (1822)

Year: 1822

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ilex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Brazil to NE. Argentina

Description

Brazilian-tea, known scientifically as Ilex paraguariensis, is a plant native to South America, particularly thriving in regions ranging from Brazil to northeastern Argentina. This plant holds a significant place within the Aquifoliaceae family and owes its botanical classification to the distinguished botanist A.St.-Hil., who documented it in the esteemed memoire, “Mém. Mus. Hist. Nat.,” in 1822.

The natural habitat of Brazilian-tea includes the lush and varied climates of its native regions, where it flourishes in both wild and cultivated settings. The leaves of Ilex paraguariensis are typically harvested to produce a stimulating and culturally significant beverage, commonly known as mate or maté. This traditional drink has been cherished for centuries, deeply ingrained in the social and cultural practices of South American communities.

Ilex paraguariensis is more than just a source of refreshment; it is also renowned for its numerous health benefits. The leaves contain compounds such as caffeine, theobromine, and various antioxidants, which contribute to the plant’s stimulating and health-boosting properties. People consume mate for its ability to provide a smooth energy boost and mental clarity without the jitters commonly associated with other caffeinated drinks.

In addition to its cultural and health importance, Ilex paraguariensis also plays a role in the biodiversity of its native ecosystems. It supports various forms of wildlife, contributing to the ecological balance of the regions where it grows.

In summary, Brazilian-tea (Ilex paraguariensis) is a notable species within the Aquifoliaceae family, recognized both for its ecological significance and profound cultural impact across Brazil and northeastern Argentina. Documented in the early 19th century by A.St.-Hil., this plant continues to be a cherished source of nourishment and tradition in its native lands.

Common Names

Eng: brazilian-tea, paraguay tea, paraguayan-tea, mate
Deu: mateteestrauch
Por: chá-mate, erva-mate, mate, caá
Spa: mate, yerba mate
Swe: mate
Fra: thé du paraguay
En: Brazilian-tea, Paraguay tea, Paraguayan-tea, Mate
Fr: Thé du Paraguay
De: Mateteestrauch
Pt: Chá-mate, Erva-mate, Mate, Caá
Es: Mate, Yerba mate
Sv: Mate

Synonyms

• Ilex paraguariensis var. genuina (Loes.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by Cristian Salinas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by marck grandpierre (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2020 by Philomena Michele Philomena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Audrei Bittencourt Maciel Audrei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2021 by Leandro da silva pereira (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by marck grandpierre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 14, 2021 by s f (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by Cristian Salinas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Ceballos Bonatto Marco César (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2021 by Leandro da silva pereira (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414252)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315555-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth