====== Betel Leaf ======

===== Botanical Information =====
^Botanical Information^^
^Order | Piperales|
^Family | Piperaceae|
^Genus | Piper|
^Common Name | Betel Leaf, Wild Pepper|
^Species | Piper sarmentosum|

===== Maturity days =====
* 120-180 days (4-6 months) from planting to first harvest

===== Planting Months =====
^Planting months^^^^^^^^^^^^
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|X    |X    |X    |X    |     |     |     |     |X    |X    |X    |X    |

{{tag>
january
february
march
april
september
october
november
december
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===== Permaculture uses =====
^Permaculture uses^^^
| Usage 1| Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Ground cover| Shade, edible leaves, spice, herb| Medicinal|

===== Growing condition comments =====
^Growing Condition ^Comment^
|Drought Tolerant |Low - requires regular watering|
|Humidity tolerant |High - thrives in humid conditions|
|Planting area |Well-drained, rich soil; suitable for containers|
|Sunlight |Partial shade to filtered sunlight|

===== Photos =====
^Photos^^
|{{:wiki:betel_leaf_1.jpg?200|}}|{{:wiki:betel_leaf_2.jpg?200|}}|
|Betel Leaf|Growing conditions as an understorey plant shaded partially by Queensland Arrowroot, and Pigeon Pea. Fully sheltered from hot western sun|

===== Recipes =====

|{{topic>betel_leaf_recipe&simplelist&nodate&nouser}}|

===== Short comments =====
Betel leaf is a versatile, aromatic plant well-suited to Townsville's tropical climate. It's prized for its culinary and medicinal uses.

===== General comments =====
=== Ecology ===
Betel leaf thrives in Townsville's warm, humid climate. It grows well as an understory plant in food forests or as a ground cover in partially shaded areas.
The plant will spread by runners, but is easily controlled and stays as an understorey plant. 

=== Uses ===
The leaves are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine for wrapping appetizers (cheese, dips, relishes) or as a flavoring herb. 

=== Food ===
Young, tender leaves are used raw in salads or as wraps. Older leaves can be cooked in stir-fries or soups.

=== Planting Depth ===
Plant cuttings at a depth of 10-15 cm in well-draining soil.

=== Inoculant ===
Not required.

=== Seed Saving Tips ===
Betel leaf is typically propagated from cuttings rather than seeds.
Can be difficult to get growing unless the conditions are favorable. 

=== Cautionary Comments ===
While betel leaf (Piper sarmentosum) is safe for consumption, it should not be confused with betel pepper (Piper betle).

===== Tags =====
{{tag>
Piperales
Piperaceae
Piper
Betel_Leaf
Perennial
Herb
Partial_sun
Wicking_bed
townsville_summer
Ground_cover
Vegetable
Garden_bed
Shade
edible_leaves
}}