Common Name:

General Information

Derris scandens is an evergreen climbing shrub with branched stems up to 20 metres long growing from a taproot. The woody stems are 2 - 5cm in diameter, they scramble over the ground, climbing into nearby vegetation and supporting themselves by twining[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and an insecticide. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

The plant contains rotenone and has been used traditionally as a fish poison[] - the rotenone kills or stuns the fish making them easy to catch, but the fish remain perfectly edible for mammals. Rotenone is classified by the World Health Organization as moderately hazardous. It is mildly toxic to humans and other mammals, but extremely toxic to many insects (hence its use as an insecticide) and aquatic life, including fish. This higher toxicity in fish and insects is because the lipophilic rotenone is easily taken up through the gills or trachea, but not as easily through the skin or the gastrointestinal tract. The lowest lethal dose for a child is 143 mg/kg, but human deaths from rotenone poisoning are rare because its irritating action causes vomiting. Deliberate ingestion of rotenone, however, can be fatal.
The compound decomposes when exposed to sunlight and usually has an activity of six days in the environment.

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Australia.

Habitat

Light forests and brushwood[]. Found in various types of vegetation; open and disturbed or abandoned cultivated areas, shrubbery, agricultural areas, edges of rice fields, grassland, beach and mangrove forest; at elevations up to 750 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Derris species generally grow best in tropical areas with a well-distributed rainfall pattern[].
Prefers a position in full sun, succeeding in any moist but well-drained soil[]. All species in this genus tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, from fertile loams to barren areas, though a well-drained soil is preferrable[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The stems are diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant and laxative. They are used in the treatment of the common cold and backache[].

Both stems and roots are used in the treatment of osteoarthritis[].

The root is used to increase milk secretion after childbirth; it is crushed with or without water and the juice is given orally[].

Other Uses

The plant (part not specified) is sometimes used as an insecticide[]. Various parts of the plant are likely to contain the chemical compound rotenone (the active ingredient in the insecticide derris)[].

A coarse cordage fibre can be obtained from the bark[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings
Air-layering.

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