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| Derris elliptica | |
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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 piscatoriaBlanco Contents | |
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 .
