2. MORPHOLOGY
1. It is a perennial, dioecious climber that belongs to
the dicot family Piperaceae.
2. Male vines are cultivated and grow vigorously
upto a height of 20m, with a stem diameter of 15-
20cm.
3. Stems are semi-woody, green or pinkish green,
cylindrical in nature.
4. The plant grows creeping on earth or climbing up
on the trees.
5. Leaves are simple, alternate, long, broad, ovate,
thick and often unequal.
6. The leaves are aromatic and the tastes varies from
sweet to pungent.
3. USES
1.This leaf is used to make
paan or betal quid.
Paan is an excellent
mouth freshener.
2.Chewing of paan may
induce a sence of well-
being, alertness,
increased heart beat
and mild euphoria.
3. It has positive effect on
blood glucose control,
dental health, wound
healing and viral
infections.
4.They have active
molecules called tannins
that have antidiabetic
properties.
5. Another molecules
called Betal alkaloids
can lower blood glucose
levels by inhibiting
glucose absorption in
the intestine.
6. It can releive cough.
These leaves are soaked
in mustard oil, warmed,
and applied to the chest
to ease congestion in the
lungs.
4. SOIL
1. Well drained fertile clay
loams are suitable.
2. It does not tolerate
saline and alkaline
conditions.
3. It requires a cool humid
with considerable
humidity and regular
supply of moisture in
the soil is essential.
SEASON
November, December,
January and February
are optimum for
cultivation.
IRRIGATION
Irrigate the field
immediately after
planting and
afterwards once in a
week.
MANURING
1. NEEM CAKE
2. UREA
3. POTASH
4. NEEM LEAF.
