Uses

The nuts are chewed, usually in wrapped in betel leaves, along with some lime and spices for flavoring. The nuts contain arecoline, a strong stimulant. Chewing of the nuts releases brightly yellow colored keratin. Medicinally, the betel nut is used to treat intestinal worms.

Plant Cultivation

A large palm, up to 90ft tall. The betel palm prefers moist soil with excellent drainage and a moist tropical climate. It is too tender to grow outside of the tropics and does not tolerate drought. Propagation: By seed.

Origin and Distribution

Native to Indonesia.