Yerba Mate - Ilex paraguariensis

Yerba mate, or Paraguay tea, is a South American evergreen tree in the holly family. Its leaves are made into a popular South American energizing drink (simply called mate) that's comparable to black tea or coffee. Mate is also popular in some Middle Eastern countries. The traditional way to drink mate is to place ground twigs and dried yerba leaves in a specially-formed vessel made from a dried gourd, and then pour hot water over them. A bombilla, or metal straw with a built-in filter, is used to drink the liquid.

• Average mature height: up to 40 feet
  
• Fertilizer: Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium in a 3/1/6 ratio
  
• Light: Full to part sun
  
• Soil: Well-drained. Do not let dry out between waterings.
  
• Zones: 9-11