Floral Motifs on Early Chintz
Areca catechu - Areca Palm
Areca catechu (Areca Palm), published as Betel Nut Palms by a State Government Photographer, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Areca catechu (Areca Palm) from E. Blackwell, Herbarium Blackwellianum, vol. 4, pl. 387, 1760
Areca catechu (Areca Palm) from the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum, Palampore (India); cotton; H x W: 365.8 × 266.7 cm (144 × 105 in.); Museum purchase from Restricted Funds; 1968-78-2
Common Names: Areca Palm, Betel Nut Palm, Areca Nut Palm, Betel Palm, Indian Nut, Pinang Palm, Catechu, Medicinal Cabbage Tree
Description: Areca catechu (Areca Palm) is a member of the Palm Family (Arecaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, vol. 5, p. 340 lists it as native to the East Indies and reports it was introduced to European cultivation in 1690. Identification of this palm was provided by Dr. Robert Read per Alice Baldwin Beer, Trade Goods - A Study of Indian Chintz (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1970), 61.
Quilts with this Areca catechu (Areca Palm) motif:
Palampore with this Areca catechu (Areca Palm) motif:
Description: Areca catechu (Areca Palm) is a member of the Palm Family (Arecaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, vol. 5, p. 340 lists it as native to the East Indies and reports it was introduced to European cultivation in 1690. Identification of this palm was provided by Dr. Robert Read per Alice Baldwin Beer, Trade Goods - A Study of Indian Chintz (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1970), 61.
Quilts with this Areca catechu (Areca Palm) motif:
- None known at this time
Palampore with this Areca catechu (Areca Palm) motif:
- Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum, Palampore (India), Acccession Number 1968-78-2, mid to late 18th century
© Updated 7/26/2026 Author: Terry Terrell