| Betel Nut | |
| Areca catechu | |
| a.k.a. Betel Palm |
Medium sized palm fruit containing a number of seeds, the betel nuts, which are chewed for their stimulatory effects.
Description: A large palm, up to 90ft tall.
Hardiness: Not frost hardy. Exact hardiness unknown, probably 40-45F.
Growing Environment: 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 seeds.
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.
Native Range: Native to Indonesia.