Areca (Areca catechu) -Trees of India

March 24th, 2007 | admin

Areca Nut (Areca catechu) is a palm tree grown extensively in India, mainly for the production of betel nut and for the purpose of the wood for specific building purposes.

Arecanut (also betel nut) is chewed with betel leaves, a piece of tobacco and some lime for a stimulating effect. The mixture turns dark red by chewing and stains the mouth. The practice of betel nut chewing is not as regular as it had once been. The practice is addictive and can pose health risks including chances of cancer.

The tree grows straight up to about 30 m with no braches and with a crown of a few leaves. The base of the leaf covers the tree at a length of 1-1.5 meters, which part, when fallen down with died leaves is used as a temporary plate, and for making such things like basket. Now, natural fibre plates too are manufactured from this part, which in Malayalam is called a ‘pola’ pronounces “po-h-la” l as in the words call and fall.

The trunk of the tree is used for different purposes like making the framework for tile or coconut leaf thatched roof. It loses its strength if it gets moisture. If kept away from moisture, the straight long wood is strong and stable for almost any furniture purpose.