Betel Palm

An evergreen palm found in the Pacific, Asia, and parts of East Africa. The seed (betel nut) is chewed as a stimulant similar to chewing tobacco, but is classified as carcinogenic—sometimes called the 'fruit of death'. The Malay word 'pinang' is the origin of Penang Island's name.

Identification Points

• ✓Single-trunked palm, 10–25 m tall
• ✓Pinnate leaves clustered at the crown
• ✓Green crownshaft at the top of the trunk

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionヤシ科 →