Areca catechu

It is not known where the betel palm originated, but it has become naturalized throughout India, SE Asia and the South Pacific. This attractive palm with its smooth, bright green crownshaft grows to 100 feet or about half that in cultivation with a diameter of 8-12 inches with stiff arching leaves sporting leaflets forming a V-shape. The nuts contain a mild narcotic, which is released when chewed with pepper vines and lime to release the narcotic effect and leaving the chewer with blood red saliva, red gums, blackened teeth and future prospects of mouth cancers.

Weight: 2 oz.