Flores in Terra introduces Ilex paraguariensis at PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt. This Ilex, better known as matè, is native to South America. This evergreen tree is widely cultivated in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, where its leaves and young branches are used to prepare matè tea.
The leaves of Ilex paraguariensis contain caffeine and antioxidants, making the tea a stimulating and healthy alternative to coffee and soft drinks. Traditionally, matè is served in a gourd and drunk through a metal straw (bombilla).
For plant connoisseurs, matè is of interest because of its adaptability, symbiosis with fungi in the soil and cultural value in South American traditions.