1. A tropical palm tree native to Southeast Asia, bearing a fruit (areca nut) that is chewed as a mild stimulant.
Usage: Also called betel palm or areca palm.; The nut is commonly chewed with betel leaf in South Asian cultures.
2. The fruit or seed of the areca palm, containing alkaloids and used as a masticatory stimulant.
Usage: Also called areca nut or betel nut.; Commonly chewed in South Asia and the Pacific region.

Examples

• The areca palm grows abundantly in tropical regions of Asia.
• Areca nuts are chewed with betel leaf and lime in many South Asian countries.
• The areca tree can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet.
• Chewing areca has been a cultural practice in India and Southeast Asia for centuries.
• The areca nut contains stimulating alkaloids similar to caffeine.
• Farmers cultivate areca palms for both domestic use and export.