This blog explores and explains what yerba mate actually is, where it comes from, its health benefits, and more! The plant behind Yerba Mate Yerba mate comes from the plant Ilex paraguariensis, which is a South American native holly tree. This evergreen tree grows in the subtropical regions of Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. The climate of these areas is warm and humid and is the perfect environment to create nutrient-dense leaves. Holly Tree (Ilex paraguariensis) (