The Areca Nut palm tree is an unbranched, erect, medium sized monoecious (unisexual) tree growing in humid tropical regions. Its has fragrant, white flowers that mature into olive shaped, reddish-orange fruit, about 4-5 cm long in which lie the areca nut. The areca nut is a major commercial crop in India. These are often chewed along with betel leaves and hence are also called Betel Nuts.

The nut is traditionally used in religious and social functions by different communities. Frequently the combination of an areca nut and a betel leaf are given as temple offerings. Chewing the nut releases a mild stimulant which local people use to reduce stress. Additionally the husk can be used for making hard board, pulps and paper boards and the tannin extract from the tree is useful in dyeing clothes and tanning leathers.