Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Synonyms
Family
Food - The leaves are commonly chewed with areca nut and lime and also have medicinal and culinary uses. Medicine - Betel leaves exhibit various biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects (Singh et al. 2023).
Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil that is kept moist. Cultivated in warm, humid conditions, often in shaded areas.
Its cultivation and consumption date back over 4000 years. Betel leaves hold cultural significance in many communities.
It is a dioecious perennial climbing vine, 2-5 m long.
Stems are weak, trailing, smooth, and green with a slightly woody and succulent texture. The stems produce adventitious roots that allow them to adhere to other plants for support.
Leaves are simple, heart-shaped, and glossy. They are arranged alternately on the stem. Leaves are leathery in texture, with a smooth margin. The upper surface is dark green, while the lower surface is paler. The leaf stalk is reddish like the stem.
Flowers are small, inconspicuous, and unisexual. They are arranged in spikes (catkins). Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Male flowers are white catkins developed on the nodes, erect or pendulous. Female flowers are greenish-white in color, small, without sepal and petal.
Fruit is a small, berry-like drupe, about 5-6 mm in diameter. It is green when young, turning red or orange when ripe. The fruit contains a single seed.
Flowering: May – July, however, throughout the year in tropical regions
Fruiting: Continuous throughout the year