I am the seed of the areca palm, widely known as supari in India. I am chewed raw, roasted, or processed with betel leaf, and I hold cultural importance in rituals and hospitality.

Native to Southeast Asia, I am cultivated extensively in India’s coastal belts, especially Kerala, Karnataka, Assam, and West Bengal. My trade supports thousands of farmers and small industries.

I require regular watering in my early years. Once established, I thrive in humid, high-rainfall regions, though irrigation improves yield in drier zones.

I flourish in partial shade to full sun. In plantations, I am often intercropped with coconut, pepper, or banana for balanced growth.

I grow best in warm, humid climates between 20–35°C. I am sensitive to frost and drought, making me ideal for tropical zones.

Plant me in deep, well-drained soil with spacing of 2–3 meters. I am grown in plantations and homesteads, often alongside other cash crops.

I respond well to organic manure and NPK fertilizer. Balanced feeding improves nut size, yield, and quality.

Botanical name: Areca catechu. Family: Arecaceae. I am a tall palm reaching 10–20 meters, producing nuts in clusters.

I am not safe for pets; chewing areca nut can cause toxicity.

Moderate; my tall fronds provide shade and trap dust, improving microclimates in plantations.

I provide areca nuts for chewing, cultural rituals, and trade. My cultivation supports rural economies and intercrop systems.

I am susceptible to root rot, yellow leaf disease, and pests like spindle bug. Proper plantation care reduces losses.

I can live 40–60 years, with peak nut production between 10–30 years. My palms remain productive for decades in managed plantations.