The areca nut is the seed of the areca palm , The areca tree is a feathery palm that grows to approximately 1.5 m in height. The tropical palm trees bear fruit all year. The nut may be used fresh, dried, or cured by boiling, baking, or roasting.

In Sri Lanka areca nut is chewed along with the betel leaf. Areca nut is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of many diseases.