If you’re a fan of yerba mate, you might be curious about the plant itself. Yerba mate is a type of holly that grows in South America, and it’s used to make a popular tea-like beverage. But just how tall does a yerba mate plant grow?
Before we dive into the height of the yerba mate plant, let’s cover some basics. The scientific name for yerba mate is Ilex paraguariensis, and it’s native to parts of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It’s an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) tall in the wild, although it’s usually smaller when grown for commercial use.
Yerba mate leaves are harvested and dried to make the beverage, which is high in caffeine and other compounds that are said to have health benefits. The drink is traditionally shared from a gourd using a metal straw called a bombilla.
So, just how tall does a yerba mate plant grow? As we mentioned earlier, in the wild, it can reach up to 16 meters (52 feet) tall. However, when grown for commercial use, it’s usually kept shorter for easier harvesting.
Most commercial yerba mate plants are pruned to around 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) tall. This makes it easier for workers to harvest the leaves by hand or using machines. Additionally, keeping the plants shorter can help increase the yield per hectare of land.
If you’re interested in growing yerba mate plants yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. Yerba mate plants require a subtropical climate with plenty of rainfall and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings, although it’s important to note that growing yerba mate can be a slow process.
It can take up to 5 years for a yerba mate plant to reach maturity and produce leaves that are suitable for harvesting. Additionally, the plants require regular pruning to keep them at a manageable height and encourage healthy growth.
While it’s possible to grow yerba mate plants indoors, they require a lot of light and space to grow properly. Unless you have a large, sunlit room or greenhouse, it’s probably not the best idea.
Yerba mate plants can take up to 5 years to reach maturity and produce leaves that are suitable for harvesting. This slow growth is one reason why commercial yerba mate production is concentrated in certain regions of South America.
Commercial yerba mate plants are usually pruned to around 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) tall. This makes them easier to harvest by hand or machine and can increase the yield per hectare of land.
Yerba mate is native to parts of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It’s primarily grown in these regions, although there are some small-scale operations in other parts of the world.
Yerba mate tea contains caffeine and other compounds that are said to have health benefits, such as increased energy and focus, improved digestion, and reduced inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of this beverage.