Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (erva-mate), the mate tea, is a forest tree whose natural distribution in the Brazilian territory embraces the States of Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. Its economical importance is moreover related to tea production. The purpose of this study is to characterize the leaf chemical composition in relation to different plantation and management conditions. Chemical analysis were performed on plants of different ages,in naturally occurring areas, planted stands, and seedbeds. The most remarkable elements observed in the study were P with average values ranging from 0,5 - 3,2 g kg-1 D.W., Mn values from 346 - 3.330 mg kg-1 D.W., and Al values from 167 - 1.235 mg kg-1 D.W.
macronutrients; micronutrients; Aluminium; foliar analysis; Ilex paraguariensis; erva-mate
