Ilex paraguariensis PARAGUAYAN TEA or YERBA MATE (plant)

Ilex paraguariensis, is a species of holly (family Aquifoliaceae) native to subtropical South America in Argentina, eastern Paraguay, western Uruguay and southern Brazil.

The infusion called mate is prepared by steeping dry leaves (and twigs) of yerba mate in hot water,
rather than in boiling water like black tea or coffee.
It is a slightly less potent stimulant than coffee and much gentler on the stomach.