Common Name:

General Information

Derris elegans is a very variable, climbing or scrambling shrub, producing stems up to 10 metres long[]. The stems can be up to 25 metres long[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

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

E. Asia - India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Hebrides

Habitat

Forest along the coast, on coastal plains, in sago swamps and in secondary and riverine forest, at elevations up to 600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	8.00 m
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[]. The plant is often found on alluvial soils in the wild, but also grows on limestone soils[].
A very variable plant, it has in the past been treated as a number of distinct species, but is currently seen as a single species comprised of four intergrading varieties.
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

A solution of crushed leaves in (green) coconut water is used in Papua New Guinea to wash snake bites[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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