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 | ||||
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 | |
|---|---|
 |  |
| Betel Leaf | Growing conditions as an understorey plant shaded partially by Queensland Arrowroot, and Pigeon Pea. Fully sheltered from hot western sun |
Recipes
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).
