Derris elliptica

Derris elliptica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Derris
Species:
D. elliptica
Binomial name
Derris elliptica
(Wall.) Benth.
Synonyms[1]

Cylista piscatoria Blanco
Deguelia elliptica (Benth.) Taub.
Derris elliptica var. elliptica
Galactia termimaliflora Blanco
Galedupa elliptica Roxb.
Millettia piscatoria Merr.
Millettia splendidissima S.Vidal
Pongamia elliptica Wall.
Pongamia volubilis Zoll. & Moritzi

Derris eliptica is a species of leguminous plant from Southeast Asia and the southwest Pacific islands, including New Guinea. The roots of D. elliptica contain rotenone, a strong insecticide and fish poison.

Also known as derris powder and tuba root (in Indonesia),[2] it was formerly used as an organic insecticide used to control pests on crops such as peas. However, due to studies[which?] revealing the extreme toxicity of rotenone to which the powder is often refined, it is unsafe: in spite of its popularity with organic growers.[3][better source needed]

Derris root, when crushed, releases rotenone. Some native residents of Fiji and New Guinea practice a form of fishing in which they crush the roots and throw them into the water.[4] The stunned or killed fish float to the surface where they can be easily reached.[5]

Despite its toxicity, Derris is used as a food plant by Lepidopteran larvae[6] including Batrachedra amydraula.

  1. ^ The Plant List
  2. ^ Fryer, J.C.F; et al. (February 1923). "A Quantitative Study Of The Insecticidal Properties Of Derris Elliptica (Tuba Root)". Annals of Applied Biology. 10 (1): 18–34. doi:10.1111/j.1744-7348.1923.tb05651.x.
  3. ^ "A Study of Rotenone from Derris Roots of Varies Location, Plant Parts and Types of Solvent Used". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  4. ^ "Potential of milkfish farming development in fiji". www.fao.org. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
  5. ^ "Marine Update and The Fish Drive". Retrieved 2018-10-18.
  6. ^ Morse, Clinton. "Derris elliptica {Fabaceae}". eeb.uconn.edu. Retrieved 2016-08-21.