Betel Nut

Betel nut, also called areca nut, is the seed of the Areca catechu palm. It’s a tall, graceful palm that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, producing clusters of hard nuts inside fibrous husks. The nut has been used for centuries across Asia and the Pacific for cultural, social, and practical purposes. In the right conditions, the palm grows quickly and creates a striking presence in any landscape. Word of warning, While the tree and consumption of betel nut is legal, selling nuts is illegal in WA.

Features

Ideal prune height: 8–12 m

pH range: 5.5–7.5

Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade

Minimum pot size year 5: 50 L

Time to fruit: 6–8 years from seed

Harvest period: Year-round once mature

Notable traits: Attractive tropical palm with traditional and cultural significance

Betel nut palms prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil and consistent warmth. They grow best in humid climates with regular water, though they should not sit in soggy soil. In pots, keep fertilised and repot as they grow. They can tolerate short dry spells but prefer steady moisture.

This palm makes an excellent feature tree in warm gardens and adds a tropical aesthetic while also being highly valued in many cultures. If you’re after a culturally significant, striking, and productive palm, this is a strong choice.

Keywords: Betel nut, Areca catechu, areca palm, tropical palm tree, cultural plant, rare palm, exotic fruit tree