| Betel Leaf | |
| Piper betle | |
| a.k.a. Betel Pepper |
A green leafy vine growing as a ground cover or small climber, very similar in growth habits to pepper.
Description: The betel leaf plant is a branching vine, that may climb as high
as 10-15ft, although it often grows as an understory ground cover.
Hardiness: It is generally too tender to grow outside of the tropics.
Growing Environment: The plant prefers warm, humid conditions, but can tolerate some drought.
Propagation: Usually propagated by divisions.
Uses: The betel leaf is used in a number of traditional remedies for the treatment of stomach ailments, infections, and as a general tonic. It is often chewed in combination with the betel nut (Areca catechu), as a stimulatory. Some evidence suggests that betel leaves have immune boosting properties as well as anti-cancer properties.
Native Range: Native to India.