Betel Palm, Betel Nut Palm

Areca catechu

Physical Characteristics

Areca catechu is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

E. Asia - Philippines

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Edible portion: Nut, Cabbage, Palm heart, Male flower. Seed - raw. The seed has mild narcotic properties, it is widely used in some areas of the tropics as a masticatory, being mixed with the leaves of a pepper plant (Piper betle), a gum and, often, lime[ 238 , 297 ]. Betel seeds contain tannins and alkaloids - these stimulate saliva flow, accelerate heart and perspiration rates, suppress hunger and offer positive protection against intestinal worms[ 238 ]. The ovoid fruit is 4 - 5cm long and produced in large clusters of 200 - 300[ 335 ]. Young leaves, inflorescences and the sweet inner part of the shoots are cooked and eaten as vegetables[ 46 , 301 ]. The skin of the fruit is edible[ 301 ]. The nut contains 8-12% fat that has characteristics comparable with hydrogenated coconut oil. It can be made edible by refining it with an alkali[ 303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diuretic Dysentery Laxative Leprosy Malaria Purgative Stimulant Betel palm is an astringent, stimulant herb that relieves hunger, abdominal discomfort and weariness. It kills intestinal parasites and other pathogens, and also has diuretic and laxative effects[ 238 ]. It is used mainly in veterinary medicine to expel tapeworms[ 238 ]. The seed is used against anaemia, fits, leucoderma, leprosy, obesity and worms[ 303 ]. It is also used in the treatment of dysentery and malaria[ 238 ]. In combination with other ingredients, it is also a purgative and an ointment for nasal ulcers[ 303 ]. Kernels of green and mature fruits are chewed as an astringent and stimulant, often with the leaves or fruit of betel pepper (Piper betle) and slaked lime[ 303 , 320 ]. The rind is also used as a laxative in cases of constipation with flatulence and bloating, as well as a diuretic in treating oedema[ 238 ]. The fruits are harvested when fully ripe, and can be dried for later use[ 238 ]. The areca nut decoction as well as arecoline and its salts have been found to be effective on various parasitic helminth infections such as those caused by Taenia spp[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

Excessive use of this plant causes profuse salivation, vomiting and stupor[ 238 ].