Areca nut, commonly known as betel nut, is the seed of the Areca catechu tree, which is native to Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific. It is commonly chewed, often with betel leaves, in many parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and some areas of Africa. The nut itself is small, oval, and has a fibrous, brownish outer shell, with a pale, soft inner kernel that is often sliced or crushed before consumption.