Pronunciation: [ˈaɹɛkə] (IPA) 
Areca is a four-letter word commonly used to refer to a type of palm tree. Its proper pronunciation is /əˈrɛkə/, with stress on the second syllable. This phonetic transcription shows that the "a" in "areca" is pronounced as the "a" in "hut", while the "e" at the end of the word is pronounced as a short "uh" sound. Areca is often cultivated for its nuts, which are used to make betel quid, a traditional preparation in many Asian countries.
Areca is a noun that refers to a genus of tropical palm trees native to Southeast Asia, comprising about 50 different species. The term can also specifically refer to one of its most common and economically important species, Areca catechu, which is commonly known as the betel nut palm.
Typically growing in clusters or groups, areca trees are characterized by their slender trunks with prominent leaf scars and their long, graceful, pinnate leaves. These trees can reach heights of up to 30 meters and are commonly found in humid tropical regions, particularly in areas with well-drained soil.
The areca tree is known for its valuable fruit, the betel nut, which is harvested for its edible kernel. The nut itself is small, round, and has a distinct reddish-brown shell. It is widely chewed in many parts of Asia as a mild stimulant, often combined with other ingredients such as betel leaf, slaked lime, and spices. Apart from its cultural and recreational use, the areca nut is also commercially cultivated for the production of various products like paan, a popular traditional chewable preparation.
With its significant cultural and economic importance, the areca tree holds a prominent position in various Southeast Asian communities. It is deeply rooted in traditional practices, rituals, and customs, and its cultivation and trade contribute to the livelihoods of many people in the region.
A genus of palms of India and the Malay Archipelago.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
From the areca palm.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "areca" derives from the Portuguese word "areca", which was borrowed from the Tamil word "āṭai", meaning "betel nut". The Tamil word can be traced back to the Proto-Dravidian language from ancient Dravidian civilizations in the Indian subcontinent. Over time, the word "areca" became widely adopted and used in various languages to refer to the plant and its fruit, the betel nut.
