Lolot (wild betel) Piper sarmentosum
Lolot (wild betel) (Piper sarmentosum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Piperaceae family, native to South-east Asia. It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Lolot (wild betel) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 17–29 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (wraps for grilled beef, bò lá lốt; ulam) |
| Native to | South-east Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Lolot (wild betel) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lolot (wild betel)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Lolot (wild betel)
- How far apart should I plant Lolot (wild betel)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Lolot (wild betel) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lolot (wild betel) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lolot (wild betel)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Lolot (wild betel) flower?
- About 17–29 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks.
- Is Lolot (wild betel) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Lolot (wild betel)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lolot (wild betel). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- A spreading shade groundcover under fruit trees; spreads by runners.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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