Abstract

The arecanut or betelnut is the most beautiful of the palms. Its long, straight stem and graceful green leaves are sure to arrest the atten tion of any passer by. In regard to its utility it is not an unimportant plant. In Malabar the unes to which the palm and its produce are put are many. The trunks of old trees are used reepers and benms in the construction of houses and sheds. The loaf sheaths are made use in various ways for for making caps which the Malabar coolies wear during day time, for making baskets to bale out water from wells and as ropes in thatching houses with coconut leaves. From the leaf-lets are made brooms. The nut is well known and there is hardly any Indian house where it is not used on ceremonial occasions. It has very valuable medicinal properties.

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