Yerba mate tea plant

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) - Leaves are used to make delicious and nutritious yerba mate tea (sometimes referred to as chimarrão). Commonly consumed in latin America instead of coffee due to it's healthful benefits, yerba mate is more nutritious than green tea containing 25 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and an abundance of antioxidants and plant polyphenols. The leaves naturally contain caffeine and are sometime used as an ingredient in energy drinks. Slow growing tropical tree can easily be grown as a houseplant indoors as it grows well in part shade and prefers temperatures above 65 degrees. Grown outdoors in temperate climates the tree can reach a height of up to 40 ft. Perennial zones 9-10. One live plant in 3 inch container. Plant may be cut back for shipping purposes.