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History. 



The " betel leaf " plant is mentioned in very early European 

 writings, also in the manuscri[)ts of the ancients. As would be 

 expected it is always m,entioned in connection witli " betel nut " 

 and seems to have been cultivated for centuries for the purpose of 

 chewing with the " nut." 



Habitat. 

 It is considered indigenous to Ceylon, India and Malaya and 

 is cultivated throughout trojtical Asia for its leaves. Java is 

 suggested as its original home. Like its companion the " betel 

 nut " it requires a humid atmosphere and grows extremely well 

 where such conditions are prevalent. 



Uses. 



Its recognised use is for chewing purjjoses and as an ingredient 

 of " betel." The method of mixing it up with other materials has 

 already been indicated. It is chewed in the green state and has a 

 sharp pungent taste and is considered sustaining and particularly 

 advantageous to a people whose food does not include flesh. Its 

 tonic and carminative properties supplying the deficiency. 



Cultivation. 



Unlike its companion it requires considerable attention and 

 the successful growing of it requires expert knowledge. As would 

 be expected methods vary in different places both in propagation 

 and general culture. The following broad principles may however 

 be laid down for its successful culture. 



Propagation is effected by means of cuttings and the method 

 varies. The following two methods will suffice — 



(1) Cuttings are taken from two year old plants and cut into 

 lengths of 12- to IS inches each with five or six joints ; they are 

 then planted burying two of the joints. 



(2) Fully grown plants cut down close to the root, are 

 stripped of their leaves and divided into three or four portions 

 which are laid horizontally in trenches and covered with earth. 

 They commence growth from each joint. 



A fairly constant temperature is best, together with a uniform 

 amount of moisture. The nursery should be if possible in a slight- 

 ly elevated position to ensure good drainage. A good supply of 

 water must be given as the plants need a moist soil. This latter 

 should be rich in humus and manured at regular intervals. Top 

 dressing is often resorted to, various kinds of manures being used. 

 Shade must be given and for this purpose shade plants such as 

 bananas or the " hetel nut " palms must be utilised, otherwise 

 artificial shade must be provided. It is a good plan to give the 

 land a rest after a few years and then plant some other crop re- 

 turning to '' betel leaf " later. 



