Derris maingayana, often treated as a distinct species, is here considered to be so similar to Derris amoena as to be treated as no more than a synonym of Derris amoena[].

Common Name:

General Information

Derris amoena is a climbing shrub with woody stems that twine into the surrounding vegetation for support.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its stems as a rope.

Known Hazards

We have no specific information for this species, but many of the plants in this genus contain 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

Range

Southeast Asia - peninsula Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia

Habitat

Edges of evergreen forests, along roadsides and rivers, in disturbed areas, in Hevea rubber plantations and the open margins of swamps; at elevations up to 25 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Derris species generally grow best in tropical areas with a well-distributed rainfall pattern[].
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

None known

Other Uses

The stems are sometimes used as rope[].

Propagation

Seed -

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