324. Ilex paraguayensis.—Paraguay tea.
Botanical name:
324. ILEX PARAGUAYENSIS Lambert.—PARAGUAY TEA. (Leaves.) Habitat: Brazil and Argentine Republic. Lance-oblong, about 50, mm. (2 in.) long, on a short petiole; surface smooth; margin few-toothed. The maté of the market is a coarse, dark powder, slightly roasted, with a tea-like odor and a bitter, astringent taste. Contains caffeine, giving it properties differing only slightly from tea, for which it is used as a substitute by the natives.
