A tall palm, reaching 20 m (65 ft.) in height, with numerous feathery leaflets making up its 2 m (6 ft.) long leaves. The pale yellow flowers appear when the tree is about 6-8 years old, followed by bunches of up to 100 round, orange fruits.
History and traditions
The Chinese discovered the medicinal properties of this tree by 140 BC, when they brought it back from their conquests of the Malayan archipelago. It is the main ingredient of paan or “betel nut”, a mixture of areca nut, lime and spices, wrapped in betel leaf, Piper betle, and it is widely chewed throughout the Middle East and Asia. It induces mild euphoria and is supposed to increase sexual virility.
Uses
Medicinal Stimulates the flow of saliva, and accelerates heart and perspiration rates. Chewed to sweeten breath, strengthen gums, improve digestion, and suppress intestinal worms but permanently stains teeth red. Research is being carried out in America on this tree as a source of a potential anticancer drug. However, excessive chewing can lead to cancer of the mouth.
