{"product_id":"nasiona-yerba-mate-ilex-paraguariensis","title":"Yerba Mate Seeds - Ilex Paraguariensis","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eIlex paraguariensis\u003c\/strong\u003e – Yerba mate, South American holly\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eIlex paraguariensis\u003c\/strong\u003e is an impressive evergreen tree from the holly family (Aquifoliaceae), forming a dense crown and a short trunk with light, smooth bark. It can reach up to 15 meters in height in its natural environment, although in cultivation it is usually pruned to 4-8 meters to facilitate leaf harvesting. It is characterized by long-lasting, glossy leaves with a leathery texture – ovate-obverse, with gently serrated edges, reaching over 5 cm in length.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowth and life cycle\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers develop on separate specimens. It blooms in late autumn and early winter (October-November), producing small, white-cream flowers gathered in clusters in the leaf axils. Fruit develops from March to June – dark red or purple berries 4-6 mm in diameter, containing seeds dispersed by birds. Both male and female plants nearby are necessary for fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowing requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eIn the temperate climate zone of Europe, \u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eIlex paraguariensis\u003c\/strong\u003e is best grown as a potted plant. It prefers temperatures of 17–26°C, though it tolerates fluctuations from 12 to 30°C. Young plants are sensitive to frost below -1°C, while mature ones can withstand short drops to -6°C. It requires a sunny or lightly shaded position and fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5–7). Maintaining consistent soil moisture without waterlogging and watering regularly every 2–3 weeks is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eDuring the growing season, balanced fertilization is recommended, and pruning during dormancy improves leaf density and quality. In temperate climates, it is necessary to maintain temperatures above 15°C year-round and increased air humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eUses and economic importance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eIts greatest importance is as a raw material for producing the \u003cstrong\u003eyerba mate\u003c\/strong\u003e beverage, made from dried, crushed leaves and young twigs. The leaves contain about 1–2% caffeine and biologically active compounds. One tree can yield 30–38 kg of dried leaves annually. This is an interesting option for those who want to grow a plant used to prepare the traditional mate drink, popular in South American countries for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"mr.seed","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":53051500560712,"sku":"2197","price":4.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":53051500659016,"sku":"2198","price":7.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"50","offer_id":53051500691784,"sku":"2199","price":35.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"100","offer_id":53051500724552,"sku":"2200","price":65.0,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/2649\/0440\/files\/5c0904c1-ed8c-4c9f-8bb1-f2bb5b37445a.jpg?v=1778085076","url":"https:\/\/www.mrseed.eu\/en\/products\/nasiona-yerba-mate-ilex-paraguariensis","provider":"mr.seed","version":"1.0","type":"link"}