100 seeds of Ilex paraguariensis, Yerba Mate,

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is well known as the source of the beverage called mate, traditionally consumed in subtropical South America, particularly northeastern Argentina, Bolivia, southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Ilex paraguariensis, begins as a shrub and then matures to a tree and can grow up to 15 metres (49 ft) tall. The leaves are evergreen, 7–11 cm long and 3–5.5 cm wide, with a serrated margin and contain mateine and related compounds.

 

Growing from seeds:

seeds should be roughened with sandpaper, afterwards let them soak in water for at least 24 hours, then sow in compost, about 5mm deep, and keep moist and  at warm temperature of 25°C. Germination can take up to 12 weeks.