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derris
Scientific Name: Derris elliptica
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Derris: A Natural Insecticide
Derris is a genus of climbing leguminous plants native to Southeast Asia and the southwest Pacific islands, including New Guinea. It is known for its insecticidal properties derived from rotenone, a compound found in its roots.
Considerations for Pets
- Derris roots contain rotenone, a strong insecticide.
- The plant is known to have been used as a fish poison.
Considerations for Children
- Derris roots contain rotenone, a strong insecticide.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Derris
- Family: Leguminosae (Fabaceae)
- Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
- Synonyms: Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Southeast Asia and the southwest Pacific islands, including New Guinea.
- Specifically mentioned locations include Maui and Hawaii.
Ecological Role
- Mentioned in the context of its role in the habitat in Singapore.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Derris is a climbing leguminous plant.
- Some species are woody vines.
- Lianas: Bark maroonish, lenticellate, glabrous.
- Twigs 3–5 mm diam., slightly strigose or glabrescent, lenticellate.
- Stipules triangular, ca. 1.5 by 0.7–1 mm, outside.
Uses
- Historically, Derris root has been used as a fish poison.
- It is a source of rotenone, a well-known organic insecticide.
- Historically used to control greenfly, blackfly, and sawfly.
- Demonstrates good antibacterial and antialgal properties.
- Demonstrates antifertility activity.