Betel Nut Palms

This row of tall skinny Areca Palms provides betel nuts, which some islanders chew for the mildly narcotic effect. Pieces of the fruit are chewed together with leaves of a pepper plant and lime. The lime causes copius salivation, which releases the active ingredients. Some of the effects are red-stained mouths, accelerated tooth decay, and red splotches on ground and sidewalks.