A gorgeous plant that thrives in low light and tolerates soggy feet, betel leaf (Piper betle) is an important plant in the Ayurvedic tradition. It is typically recommended as stimulant, a general health tonic and as a breath freshener. Betel also plays an important role in Indian culture, and Hindus often wrap money in betel leaves before giving it to their priests.
It is a vine so it can be grown to climb up a tree or fence during the summer, or trained to spill over the edge of a pot in a hanging basket. It grows rapidly but appears to grow most quickly in the warm temperatures and long days of summer.
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