Piper betle (Betel Leaf Plant)

Piper betle, commonly known as the Betel Leaf Plant is a vine from the family Piperaceae, which includes black pepper and kava. The betel plant is native to Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen, dioecious perennial, with glossy heart-shaped leaves and white catkins. Betel plants are cultivated for their leaves which is most commonly used as flavoring in chewing areca nut (betel nut chewing). The inflorescences are also edible with a sharp pepper flavour.