Intoxicating Asian plant whose name sounds like an insect

BETEL

This chewy leaf is often paired with areca nut in traditional ceremonies and leaves a distinctive red stain when used. You might find it offered as a cultural gesture in parts of Southeast Asia.

This clue plays on the word "betel," an Asian plant chewed for its stimulating effects. The hint lies in its name sounding like "beetle," the insect, which is a classic crossword trick using homophones. Betel is often paired with areca nut for its mild intoxicating properties, especially in parts of South and Southeast Asia. The wordplay makes it a clever but fair solve once you hear the similarity.