Synonyms

Areca catechu f. communis Becc.,

Areca faufel Gaertn.

Systematic Position

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Arecales

Family: Arecaceae

Native: Malaysian peninsula

Common Names

English –  Betel Palm, Pinang Siri

Malayalam –  കമുക്

Description:
Betel or areca nut (Areca catechu) is a single-stemmed, pinnately leafed palm cultivated extensively throughout tropical Asia and Africa for its seed, which is chewed as a breath freshener. growing straight to 20 m (66 ft) tall, with a trunk 10–15 cm (4–6 in) in diameter. The leaves are 1.5–2 m long, with numerous, crowded leaflets at the tree top.

Habitat:  Paddy fields, marshes.

Distribution: Native to India and Southeast Asia to the Philippines and South Pacific.

Uses: Cultivated and planted in home gardens and farms for the sweet fruit. Used as a source of traditional medicines and essential oils in some countries. People at various countries chew the nut as a stimulant but heavy use can have long term health impacts.