Areca catechu, commonly known as Betel Palm, is an evergreen palm tree native to tropical rainforests and coastal regions in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Malaysia. It typically grows straight to a height of 20 meters (66 feet) with a slender trunk measuring 10–15 centimeters (4–6 inches) in diameter. The palm features pinnate leaves that can reach lengths of 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet), contributing to its graceful appearance. The flowers are small, yellow, and inconspicuous, followed by orange to red fruit when grown in its natural habitat.

Betel Palm is valued for its elegant form and is often used in tropical and subtropical landscapes. It is suitable for urban planting, as a specimen tree, and is popular in interior landscaping, especially in large indoor areas such as malls and hotels. However, it will not produce fruit or reach its full size when grown indoors. This palm prefers full sun to partial shade, high humidity, and consistently moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance but may require regular watering during dry periods. While it is not known for significant disease issues, spider mites can be a problem when grown indoors. Areca catechu is potentially invasive in some regions, so it is crucial to check local regulations before planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0