Derris elliptica

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 piscatoriaBlanco Deguelia elliptica (Benth.) Taub. Derris elliptica var. elliptica Galactia termimalifloraBlanco Galedupa ellipticaRoxb. Millettia piscatoriaMerr. Millettia splendidissimaS.Vidal Pongamia ellipticaWall. Pongamia volubilisZoll. & 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 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

References

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. "Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Rotenone" (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency. March 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
4. Re-evaluation Note: Rotenone (REV2008-01, 29 January 2008),^{[ dead link ]} Consumer Product Safety, Health Canada
5. "A Study of Rotenone from Derris Roots of Varies Location, Plant Parts and Types of Solvent Used". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
6. "7 CFR § 205.602 - Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production". Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
7. "Potential of milkfish farming development in fiji". www.fao.org. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
8. "Marine Update and The Fish Drive" . Retrieved 2018-10-18.
9. Morse, Clinton. "Derris elliptica {Fabaceae}". eeb.uconn.edu. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
10. Roskov Y., Kunze T., Orrell T., Abucay L., Paglinawan L., Culham A., Bailly N., Kirk P., Bourgoin T., Baillargeon G., Decock W., De Wever A., Didžiulis V. (ed) (2014). ”Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2014 Annual Checklist.”. Species 2000: Reading, UK.