Areca catechu (areca palm, betel palm)

The plant prefers a tropical climate and is typically found in areas with altitudes up to 900 meters. It thrives in inferred tropical rain forests.

Betel Palm

The Areca catechu, commonly known as the areca palm or betel palm, is a versatile plant found in South and Southeast Asia. It is primarily cultivated for its seed, which is used as a masticatory, and its edible heart. The plant also provides various materials such as leaves for thatch, leaf sheaths for hats and containers, and trunk for wood, making it valuable in traditional practices and industries.

Areca catechu

Origin: India

The Areca catechu, also known as the areca palm or betel palm, is a plant commonly found in South and Southeast Asia. It is typically found in tropical rainforests, up to an elevation of 900 meters. While its wild origins are unknown, it is widely cultivated for various purposes. The plant has multiple uses. The seed of the Areca catechu is commonly chewed as a masticatory substance and has a reported annual yield of 850 kg per hectare. The edible heart of the plant is consumed, and the young leaves are used for thatching. The leaf sheaths have practical applications, such as making hats and containers. The trunk of the plant is used for its wood, and the seed has medicinal properties in veterinary medicine. Additionally, the plant serves as a source of dye. In cultivation, the Areca catechu is often grown alone or in combination with annual or perennial crops. It is propagated through seed, and cultivars are created based on seed quality. The plant reaches maturity at around 6 years and can continue to yield for 30 to 35 years. While there is limited research on the selection and breeding of this plant, it is valued for its ornamental qualities. It is a solitary feather palm and has the potential for improvement through selective breeding. Please note that the information provided here is additional to the description already given and excludes any preface descriptive paragraph.

- Well-drained soil - Sandy loam soil - Clay soil - Moist soil - Acidic soil - Neutral soil - Alkaline soil