Paakku, supari in Hindi, is the areca palm, a tall, slender palm whose seed, areca nut, is chewed with betel leaf and lime as paan. Karnataka and Kerala grow most of India’s areca. Areca nut is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a cause of cancer in people, and chewing it causes mouth cancer and oral submucous fibrosis. Its fallen leaf sheaths are pressed into biodegradable plates.
- Botanical name
- Areca catechu L.
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Tamil
- Paakku
- Hindi
- Supari
- Sanskrit
- Pūga
- Parts used
- Seed
- Habit
- Slim nut palm; the seed is chewed with betel leaf
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Paakku
It is a tall, very slender palm, often fifteen to twenty metres, with a smooth, ringed grey trunk.
A green crownshaft of leaf sheaths sits below the crown of feathery leaves.
Flower clusters grow below the crownshaft, with many small male flowers and fewer, larger female flowers.
The fruits are oval, about the size of a hen’s egg, turning orange-yellow when ripe, around a fibrous husk.
The seed inside is hard, with a brown, marbled interior.
Traditional use of Paakku
Kitchen
Sliced areca nut is chewed with betel leaf and slaked lime, often with spices, as paan.
South and South-east Asian practice
Ritual
Betel leaf and areca nut are offered at weddings, worship and as a sign of welcome.
Indian ritual practice
Household
Fallen leaf sheaths are cleaned and pressed into plates and bowls.
Karnataka and Kerala craft practice
Modern notes on Paakku
The main alkaloid, arecoline, is a stimulant and is addictive.
Areca nut chewing, with or without tobacco, causes oral submucous fibrosis, which stiffens the mouth, and mouth cancer.
Areca nut is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances in the world.
Areca leaf plates are sold as an alternative to plastic disposables.
Paakku safety
Avoid chewing areca nut, with or without tobacco. See a doctor for white or red patches in the mouth or difficulty opening it.
Ecology and sourcing
It probably originated in the Philippines or Malaysia.
It needs warm, humid weather and plenty of water.
Pepper vines are often trained up areca palms as a second crop.
Related plants
Also in Arecaceae
Questions about Paakku
Is areca nut harmful?
Yes. It causes mouth cancer and fibrosis.
What is supari?
The Hindi name for areca nut.
Are areca leaf plates safe?
Yes. They are made from the leaf sheath, not the nut.
Where is areca grown?
Mainly Karnataka and Kerala.
Is Paakku a palm?
Yes.
Sources
- Areca catechu L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q156969 (Areca catechu)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.