The Areca Catechu: A Cultural and Economic Symbol of Sri Lanka – By Bhanuka – eLanka The Areca catechu, known as the Betel Nut Palm, holds a significant place in Sri Lanka’s cultural and traditional landscape. Commonly referred to as “Puwak” in Sinhala, this palm is an iconic feature of the tropical environment, recognized for its tall, slender trunk and crown of feathery leaves. The Areca catechu is cultivated widely across the lowlands and wet zones of Sri Lanka, thriving in the warm and humid climate that is characteristic of the island. Its primary product, the betel nut, has been used for centuries in a variety of practices, making it an integral part of Sri Lankan life. The betel nut, encased within a fibrous husk, is harvested, processed, and consumed in many ways. One of its most traditional uses is as part of the betel quid, a mixture made by ...
Dec 21, 2024
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Articles, Bhanuka Nuwan
Tagged Areca catechu, areca nut exports, areca nut uses, areca palm tree, betel nut cultivation, betel nut farming in Sri Lanka, betel nut health benefits, betel nut palm, betel nut traditions, betel quid, cultural significance of betel nut, medicinal uses of betel nut, puwak in Sri Lanka, puwak tree, Sri Lanka agriculture, Sri Lanka cultural heritage, Sri Lankan betel nut, sustainable betel nut farming, traditional betel chewing, tropical palm trees
