The Betel Leaf

Once a well educated botanist approached Kanchi Maha Periyava and out of ignorance, asked ‘Why is betel leaf called ‘Vettrilai’ in Tamizh.
Maha Periyava non-challantly replied, ‘The betel vine does not have flowers, nor does it bear fruits. It has merely leaves (’verum ilai’) and so is the name ‘vettrilai’ !
The botanist hung his head in shame as he did not even realize this simple fact!