本文从民族植物学的观点介绍了我国南方各省嚼槟榔的习俗、历史及演变，分析了这个习俗的形成原因及槟榔的药用价值。作者认为咀嚼槟榔有成瘾性，但是否对人的中枢神经系统有损害，必须进一步研究。作者对这种习俗提出了几点看法和建议，对槟榔的开发利用有重要参考价值。

This paper reviews the habit of betelchewing in the southern provinces of China from the viewpoint of ethnobotany. and traces the long history and change of this habit in China. It also analyses the reasons of the habit formation and the medical value of betelnut palm (Areca catechu  L. ). The authors regard that betelchewing has addictive effects on man, but whether it harms the central nervous system of man or not should be further studied. We put forward a few opinions and suggestions concerning this habit, which will provide important reference value to the exploitation and utilization of betelnut palm.