Can yerba mate be grown in a pot? Some interesting facts about the fruits, seeds, and cultivation of holly plant

We write about the stimulating properties of Ilex paraguariensis leaves in almost every blog post. Today, for a change, we will talk a little about the seeds and fruits of this plant, as well as the methods of their propagation and cultivation. Is it possible to grow a decorative sprig of yerba mate at home? You'll find the answer in this article!

Summary:

1. How and where does yerba mate grow?
2. How to cultivate yerba mate? Jesuits solved the puzzle
3. Paraguayan holly – cultivation under natural conditions
4. Yerba mate in… a pot. Is it possible to grow Ilex paraguariensis at home?

How and where does yerba mate grow?

Imagine this: it’s a warm, summer day, your body is covered by the sticky humidity of the tropical climate, and the hot sun beams down from above. In front of you stretches a vast field covered with evenly planted, leaf-rich bushes. The plantation forms a picturesque landscape, resembling a low, green forest. Among the bushes, plantation workers move about – experienced cultivators who understand the needs of the plants and know how to care for them to yield the best and healthiest harvests. This is exactly what a yerba mate plantation looks like in South America – the plant from which the infusion is made. The evergreen plant naturally grows in the regions straddling northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, but for industrial purposes, it is cultivated only in the first three countries. Yerba mate, known botanically as Ilex paraguariensis, typically grows to a height of 6–8 metres, though the tallest specimens can reach up to 18 metres. The branches are densely covered with elongated, oval leaves that have serrated edges and a vivid green colour. The tops of the leaves are slightly darker, while the undersides are lighter. The holly blooms from October to December, with the branch tips adorned with small, white flowers gathered in dense clusters. From March to June, the shrub produces fruits – tiny red berries containing seeds within. The most prized parts of the plant are its leaves, which are processed into yerba mate.

The properties of this plant were first discovered centuries ago by the Guarani Indians. They gathered leaves from wild shrubs, and after consuming them, they felt more energised, noticed improved alertness and focus, and didn’t feel as hungry. The Indians made full use of the natural gift that yerba mate provided, but they didn’t know how to cultivate the plant – how to propagate it and ensure it consistently yielded the valuable harvest. Help came from overseas visitors – the Jesuit missionaries.

How to cultivate yerba mate? Jesuits solved the puzzle

The fruits of Ilex paraguariensis form after the plant’s flowers are pollinated by bees or hoverflies. They are relatively small, measuring about 5-7 millimetres in diameter. Their yellow colour gradually turns a soft red or purplish hue during vegetation. Unfortunately, the ripe holly fruits are not particularly useful for culinary purposes. Due to their small size, the presence of seeds, and their tart flavour, they have almost never been used by humans. However, they are a treat for certain species of birds, and it is these birds that play a crucial role in the plant’s propagation. This wouldn’t be remarkable were it not for one peculiar issue. It was the same issue faced by the Jesuits who, upon arriving in the territory of present-day Paraguay, attempted to establish the first yerba mate plantations. They quickly discovered that seeds extracted from the ripe fruits and planted in the soil simply wouldn’t germinate. The mystery kept the Jesuit brothers puzzled for quite some time. Only through careful study of plant taxonomy and the laws governing the local ecosystem did they find the answer. They observed that the seeds were encased in a thick shell, which prevented the embryo from sprouting and therefore stopped germination. So how does the plant propagate naturally? It turns out that the seeds must first pass through the digestive system of a bird. The digestive juices secreted by the bird’s body weaken the shell, making germination possible.

Paraguayan holly – cultivation under natural conditions

As mentioned earlier, yerba mate grows only in four South American countries. Only here does Ilex paraguariensis find the most optimal conditions for growth: a subtropical, hot, and humid climate, annual rainfall exceeding 1,200 mm, suitable air temperatures, elevations between 400 and 800 metres above sea level, soil rich in mineral salts, and the presence of jungles full of tall trees that provide the correct amount of shade. Many enthusiasts of yerba mate infusions wonder, is it possible to cultivate the plant outside its native range, e.g., in Europe? Considering the optimal growth conditions mentioned, it is easy to infer that it would be quite challenging, but as it turns out, it is not impossible!

Yerba mate in… a pot. Is it possible to grow Ilex paraguariensis at home?

It’s worth clarifying right away that, fortunately, no bird assistance is required here. 😀 Ilex paraguariensis can be sown manually, and the seeds available in professional shops are pre-treated to allow the embryo to successfully break through the shell. Sometimes, ready-made holly saplings can even be found – making yerba mate cultivation in Europe much easier since such saplings simply need to be rooted in a pot. If seeds are what’s available, they should be soaked in lukewarm water for about 24 hours before planting. The soil for growth must have a pH of 5.8-6.8. The plant prefers a shaded environment, particularly during its early development. The germination period lasts up to three months. Unfortunately, under indoor conditions, it will be challenging to grow a larger tree. A holly shrub grown in a pot, given the right care, can reach a height of several dozen centimetres, but forget about brewing yerba mate infusions with leaves from your own crop – this requires much larger bushes cultivated exclusively under natural conditions. However, holly can be an excellent ornamental plant. For experienced mate aficionados, having such a specimen at home is quite the delight!

If you’re a fan of yerba mate and also have a passion for gardening or simply enjoy taking on new, interesting challenges, cultivating your own yerba mate shrub can be a fascinating adventure! Just remember to tailor the conditions to the Europeran climate and provide the plant with regular care.

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Maté, Yerba mate.
2. C.I. Heck, E.G. De Mejia, Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations, Journal of Food Science, 2007.