Betel nut

Areca catechu, also known as the Betel Nut Palm  a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa. The palm is believed to have originated in the Philippines, but is widespread in cultivation and is considered naturalized in southern China (Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, Yunnan), India, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, many of the islands in the Pacific Ocean, and also in the West Indies. Areca is derived from a local name from the Malabar Coast of India and catechu is from another Malay name for this palm, caccu.
Areca catechu is grown for the important seed crop, the Betel nut.

The nut itself is brown, oval and flattened at one end.The fruit flesh on the seed has psychoactive properties (stimulating effects) and in South-east Asia is used as such by chewing on the fruit.It produces euphoria, heightened alertness, sweating, salivation, a hot sensation in the body and an increased capacity to work. The alkaloid arecoline found in the nut, accounts for these effects.

However there may be undesirable side effects associated with chewing on the fruit such as an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and body temperature.Betel chewing also increases plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine.The Betelnut is also used as an offering in Hinduism.

Cultivated and planted in home gardens for the sweet fruit. Also planted as an ornamental. Used as a source of traditional medicines and essential oils in some countries. 5% of the world's population chew the nut as a stimulant but heavy use can have long term health impacts.