Areca catechu L.

Areca catechu is one of about 60 species of mostly small or modest-sized monoecious palms found in the understorey of Asian tropical forests. It is classified in the palm subfamily Arecoideae, tribe Areceae. Betel or arecanut (Areca catechu) is a single-stemmed, pinnate-leafed palm cultivated extensively throughout tropical Asia and Africa for its seed, which is chewed as a breath freshener. The nuts are said to have stimulant properties. It is estimated that between 10 and 25% of the world’s population chew betel nuts with some frequency. India is the major producer and virtually all of its production is consumed domestically. A. catechu is a slender palm which reaches 60 to 100 years old. It has a single cylindrical straight stem with diameter ranging from 25 to 40 cm and a height of up to 25 m.A. catechu is mainly established as an ornamental plant, but also provides a nut commonly known as betelnut. The fruit is masticated and chewed with betel leaves (Piper betle) and a small quantity of lime. The chewing of areca nut partially acts as a stimulant, but is also believed to strengthen teeth and gums, as well as to suppress appetite. Chewing areca nut sometimes results in oral carcinoma.

References
1. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.6981
2. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/5/2587
3. https://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/eafrinet/weeds/key/weeds/Media/Html/Areca_catechu_(Betelnut_Palm).htm