Piper betleoides

Family: Piperaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. The stems have weak lines along them. The lower leaves are broadly oval to heart shaped and the upper ones are oval to sword shaped. They are 9-17 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. The base is unequal. Male flower spikes are 5-6 cm long by 2-3 mm wide. The female spikes are 3-4 cm long on slender stalks. The fruit spikes are swollen. The fruit are 2 mm across and in dense groups.

An unresolved name in The Plant List.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Northeastern India

How it is used for food

The leaves are chewed with betel nut as a stimulant.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

In Bhutan plants flower April to July.

Its other names

Local names

Pan

Synonyms

Piper betleoides var. glabrifolium C. DC.;