Although Uruguay has exuberant flora and fauna, with the exception of yerba mate, the rest of it is mostly still unused.[clarification needed] Uruguayan food always comes with fresh bread;[citation needed] bizcochos and tortas fritas are a must for drinking mate ('tomar el mate'). Mate is the national drink. The dried leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis) are placed in a small cup.