Derris elliptica

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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 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.

The following subspecies are listed:^[7]

• Derris elliptica chittagongensis
• Derris elliptica elliptica
• Derris elliptica malacensis
• Derris elliptica tonkinensis

• "Derris" insecticides based on rotenone

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