Botany
Erect, solitary tree growing to 25 meters high with annular scars. Leaves about 2-3 meters long with numerous leaflets, 60-90cm long. Spadix is branched and compressed. Fruits are ovoid, smooth, orange to red when ripe; 4-6 cm long, with a fleshy pericarp and fibrous mesocarp.

Distribution
Cultivated throughout the settled areas. Spontaneous in some places.

Constituents
Alkaloids - arecaine, 0.1%, arecoline, 0.2%, arecaidine, arecolidine, guvacoline, guvacine, isoguvacine; tannin, 15%; red fat, 14%; resin; choline; catechu.

The tanin is located almost entirely in the kernel which decreases as the nut ripens.

Properties
Emmenagogue, purgative, astringent. Young seeds are laxative. Vermifuge mature seeds for expeling tapeworms.

Parts used and preparation
Kernel


Uses
Folkloric
· Sprains, bruises, contusions - Crush leaves, mix with a little coconut oil, warm and apply on affected area.
· Tooth whitener: Carbonize and powder a kernel and rub on teeth.
· Tapeworm infestation: 1 glassful of 5% decoction as enema to be retained for one hour. Also, decoction of kernels boiled 20-30 minutes; for less than 12 years of age, 6 kernels (30 g); over 12 years old, 10-12 kernels (50-60 g); for adults, 16-18 kernels (80-90 g). The bunga may be mixed with kalabasa, boil for 1 hour, maintaining 2-glass volume for oral intake.
· In excess, nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhea; intoxicating to some.
· Fruit in decoction considered abortifacient.
Others
· Cabbage (ubod) is edible, raw or cooked.
· Nut is often used for chewing with lime and ikmo leaves (Piper betel) or litlit (Piper retrofactum).

Availability
Wildcrafted.