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Plant Informational Database

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.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Betel Leaf. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

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.

Related Species

Piperaceae  
Piper auritum
Root Beer Plant
Piper betle
Betel Leaf
Piper nigrum
Pepper