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What is an Areca Palm?

Brendan McGuigan
Brendan McGuigan

There are two major uses of the term areca palm. In some cases it may be used to describe any number of palm trees in the genus Areca, within the family of Arecaceae. In other cases it may refer to the Areca palm of Dypsis lutescens, also known as Butterfly Palm or Golden Cane Palm, also in the Arecaceae family.

The broader genus of areca palms includes more than fifty distinct species of what could be considered areca palm. The most famous of these is the areca nut palm, Areca catechu. The nuts, or more accurately drupes, of the areca palm are widely used throughout the tropics. The nuts of the areca palm are wrapped in the leaves of the betel vine, and chewed as a stimulant.

The nut of the areca palm is often referred to as the betel nut.
The nut of the areca palm is often referred to as the betel nut.

Often the nut of the areca palm is referred to as betel nut, but technically this is incorrect. The confusion stems from the use of the betel leaf. Chewing the nut of the areca palm increases alertness in most people, and stimulates awareness, as well as causing a perceived heating of the body. The nut of the areca palm has three active alkaloids: Guracine, Arecoline, and Arecain.

The nut of the areca palm is used as a bad breath remedy in Ayurvedic medicine.
The nut of the areca palm is used as a bad breath remedy in Ayurvedic medicine.

People throughout the Pacific Rim and the various island nations dotting the Pacific chew the nut of the areca palm regularly, in a practice that dates back thousands of years. Some evidence suggests the nut of the areca palm and the leaf of the betel vine have been chewed in tandem since the 2nd millennium BCE. In the modern world, tobacco is often added to the betel mixture for added stimulation.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the nut of the areca palm is used as a remedy against bad breath. Some people also tout it as being useful for those suffering from schizophrenia, although no good studies exist that validate this view.

In addition to the various Areca palms which can be called an areca palm, there is also the Dypsis lutescens, sometimes identified as Chrysalidocarpus lutescens. This areca palm comes from Madagascar, and has become very popular as a decorative plants in the home and in landscaping.

The areca palm is often touted as a shrub type plant, but many experts point out that because of their desire to grow out they should be planted with quite a bit of distance between them. Although often stunted by conditions, they are in fact trees, and should be treated as such. Since the areca palm is a tropical plant, it needs a great deal of humidity, and although often used indoors, such conditions rarely give it the ambient moisture needed. At the same time, they are injured by cold temperatures, so should only be planted outdoors in conditions approximately tropical climates.

If grown indoors, an areca palm should be kept in a bright indirect light. The tips of the fronds will often brown over time, but this is normal and to be expected. The brown tips should not be clipped off, as this will inhibit growth in those fronds. All told, the areca palm can make a beautiful indoor or outdoor plant, but because of their finicky nature, they require more care than many common household plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Areca Palm?

An Areca Palm, also known as Dypsis lutescens, is a lush tropical palm native to Madagascar. It's popular as an indoor plant due to its air-purifying qualities and its ability to add a touch of the tropics to any space. The Areca Palm is characterized by its feathery, arching fronds that can grow up to 6-7 feet tall indoors.

How do you care for an Areca Palm?

Caring for an Areca Palm involves providing bright, indirect light, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It's important to maintain a humid environment and to keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal growth, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Can Areca Palms purify indoor air?

Yes, Areca Palms are recognized for their air-purifying abilities. According to a study by NASA, Areca Palms can remove indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, making them a healthy addition to home or office environments. They also release moisture into the air, which can be beneficial in drier climates.

Are Areca Palms toxic to pets?

Areca Palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a pet-friendly choice for households. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists Areca Palm as safe for pets, so you can enjoy these beautiful plants without worrying about the health of your furry friends.

How fast do Areca Palms grow?

Areca Palms are considered moderate to fast growers, especially when they're young and given optimal growing conditions. Indoors, they can grow about 6 to 10 inches per year. However, their growth rate can be influenced by factors such as light, water, temperature, and fertilization.

What are common problems with Areca Palms?

Common problems with Areca Palms include yellowing leaves, which can be caused by overwatering, insufficient light, or nutrient deficiencies. Spider mites and mealybugs can also be pests of concern. Ensuring proper care and monitoring for pests can help keep your Areca Palm healthy. Regularly cleaning the leaves can prevent pest infestations and dust accumulation.

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    • The nut of the areca palm is often referred to as the betel nut.
      By: Shariff Che'Lah
      The nut of the areca palm is often referred to as the betel nut.
    • The nut of the areca palm is used as a bad breath remedy in Ayurvedic medicine.
      By: stefanolunardi
      The nut of the areca palm is used as a bad breath remedy in Ayurvedic medicine.