Rio Amazon Tea Pata de Vaca (40 Teabags). In South America, Pata de Vaca is normally consumed as tea after each meal. It has been in used for more than 60 years by modern Brazilians. Pata de Vaca (translated as ‘cow’s foot’) is a small tree native to the tropical rainforests of Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Asia. It grows to heights of around 5-10m and produces 7-10cm long leaves that are shaped like a cow’s foot. It is these leaves which are prepared to make an infusion or leaf tea.