Family: Arecaceae
Beetle nut is a single-stemmed palm tree. Origins are obscure due to the long history of cultivation. Grown primarily for the narcotic effects seeds provide when chewed, the addictive qualities ensure a long future of cultivation. First introduced to Hawaiʻi by Dr. Hillebrand in the late 1800s, the betel nut is an excellent palm to grow in small areas. It grows into a medium-sized, slender specimen up to 65 feet tall that takes up little space. The spirally arranged green fronds appear feathery form above a green crownshaft. White-colored racemes have a sweet scent and appear below the crown shaft. It can be grown in a container inside if given enough light; however, it’s unlikely to produce seed in these conditions. The palm does best in full sunlight but will still thrive in part shade conditions. For robust growth, it requires well-drained soil with plenty of moisture. Germination takes 2 to 3 months; allow fresh fruit to open, clean the seeds and sow in moist soil.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Cultural significance
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Indoor plant
- Medicinal
- Ornamental
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
High Risk Traits:
- History of introduction outside native range
- Bird-dispersed propagules
- Produces viable seeds
- Persistent seed bank
- Shade tolerant
Low Risk Traits:
- Not naturalized beyond native range
- No weed history
- No spines, toxins, or allelopathy
- Not a major pest host
- Not fire-promoting
- No vegetative reproduction
- Not wind-dispersed or a contaminant
- Not a prolific seed producer
- Requires cross-pollination
