Derris elliptica
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
| Derris elliptica | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific 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 | |
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 the high acute toxicity[3] of rotenone to which the powder is often refined, it is unsafe: in spite of its popularity with organic growers.,[4][5][6]
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.[7] The stunned or killed fish float to the surface where they can be easily reached.[8]
Despite its toxicity, Derris is used as a food plant by Lepidopteran larvae[9] including Batrachedra amydraula.
Subspecies
The following subspecies are listed:[10]
- Derris elliptica chittagongensis
- Derris elliptica elliptica
- Derris elliptica malacensis
- Derris elliptica tonkinensis
See also
- "Derris" insecticides based on rotenone
