Areca catechu is a palm tree which naturally grows in the Philippines, specifically in Batanes, Cagayan, Bataan, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur. It has a calculated extent of occurrence (EOO) of 370,642.830 km² based on currently available information. Though its population size is currently not known, a continuous decline is expected due to habitat-threatening effects of urbanization, small-scale and large-scale logging operations, shifting agriculture and other unsustainable farming practices, and the over-exploitation of the species. However, despite of these threats affecting the species' population and natural habitat quality, it is still assessed globally as Least Concern (LC) given its numerous occurrences, very wide distribution, and expected abundance. This species is widely cultivated and naturalised in other countries.

Areca catechu is a native palm tree widely distributed and cultivated in the Philippines. With best available data, it has 14 known localities in Batanes, Cagayan, Bataan, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Sulu and Zamboanga del Sur. Its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 370,642.830 km². The species is primarily threatened by land conversion and habitat degradation due to commodity driven deforestation, forestry related activities, urbanization, and shifting cultivation (Global Forest Watch 2022). A. catechu is widely cultivated and naturalised in other countries.

There is no information on the population size of the species. However, a decline is suspected in its natural habitat due to continuous loss of primary forests within its distribution range.

Areca catechu is an understorey plant of tropical, high rainfall forests, from sea level to 1,000 metres or more (Useful Tropical Plants 2022). Occasionally, it is found growing in ravines and primeval forests (Beccari 1919). It can also be found even in deserted clearings below 100m (Merrill 1906). It is more commonly found in settled areas and in cultivation. It flowers all year round (Merrill 1912).

Areca catechu is primarily threatened by land conversion and habitat degradation brought by commodity-driven deforestation, shifting cultivation, urbanization, and forestry activities such as logging. A significant loss of natural forests due to land use change was reported in its localities based on the analyzed data from the Global Forest Watch (2022). As of 2020, the forest cover lost in the species localities is about 582 ha in Batanes, 40,100 ha in Cagayan, 1,670 ha in Bataan, 3,950 ha in Rizal, 7,070 ha in Laguna, 44,200 ha in Quezon, 13,600 ha in Camarines Sur, 21,500 ha in Oriental Mindoro, 163,000 ha in Palawan, 4,670 ha in Sulu, and 22,400 ha in Zamboanga del Sur. This species is also specifically targeted for its uses. Interventions and conservation actions are highly recommended to prevent further tree cover loss and population decline.

The species is primarily grown for the nuts which has mild narcotic properties and are used a masticatory by locals with a gum, slaked lime and leaves of a pepper plant (Piper betle) (Beccari 1919, Useful Tropical Plants 2022). Betel seeds contain tannins and alkaloids - that stimulate saliva flow, accelerate heart and perspiration rates, suppress hunger and is used as a stimulant herb that relieves abdominal discomfort and weariness.

Young leaves, inflorescences and the sweet inner part of the shoots are cooked and eaten as vegetables. The skin of the fruit is also edible. The nut contains 8-12% fat that has characteristics comparable with hydrogenated coconut oil. It can be made edible by refining it with an alkali. It kills intestinal parasites and other pathogens, and also has diuretic and laxative effects. It is used mainly in veterinary medicine to expel tapeworms. The areca nut decoction as well as arecoline and its salts have been found to be effective on various parasitic helminth infections such as those caused by Taenia spp. The seed can also be used against anaemia, fits, leucoderma, leprosy, obesity and worms. It is also used in the treatment of dysentery and malaria. In combination with other ingredients, it is also a purgative and an ointment for nasal ulcers. Kernels of green and mature fruits are chewed as an astringent. The rind is also used as a laxative in cases of constipation with flatulence and bloating, as well as a diuretic in treating oedema. 

Based on various tests, it has been proposed that the husk fibre could be used in making such items as thick boards, fluffy cushions and non-woven fabrics. Trial experiments have shown that satisfactory yield and quality of brown wrapping paper could be prepared from blends of areca nut and bamboo or banana pseudostem pulp. Areca nut husk can be a good source of furfural. Possibilities of producing activated carbon from the husks have been investigated, and yields of 25-28% have been recorded. 

The plant is a good source of tannins. These are used for dyeing clothes, as adhesives in plywood manufacture etc. The outside portion of betel palm stem forms a useful building material in the villages, and it is widely used throughout southeast Asia for a variety of construction purposes. The timber can also be used in making a variety of utility articles such as rulers, shelves and waste paper baskets. Nails made from areca stem are widely used in the furniture industry (Useful Tropical Plants 2022).

The species is not included in the Philippine Red List (DENR-BMB 2017). Its occurrences in Batanes Protected Landscape & Seascape, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape, Abasig-Matogdon Mananap Natural Biotic Area, Watershed Purposes of Mariveles (Palanas) Watershed and Forest Range, Mts. Iglit-Baco Natural Park, Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape, Mount Dajo National Park, and Pasonanca Natural Park serve as in situ conservation of the species. In addition, it is known in at least 87 botanic gardens globally (BGCI 2022). Further inventory and research are needed to account its remaining population size in the wild.