Common Name:

General Information

Derris polyantha is a climbing shrub with woody stems that twine into the surrounding vegetation.
The root bark is a potential source of the insecticide rotenone.
Derris polyantha has a limited range, and there are ongoing threats to its habitat which will cause a decline in its extent and quality. However, this species may tolerate some disturbance as it is has been found in secondary forest and scrub. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

Range

Southeast Asia - Philippines.

Habitat

Thickets and secondary forests; at elevations up to 500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	0.00 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[].
Maximum yield of roots is achieved when the plant is 18 - 25 months old. Most of the roots (usually more than 90%) are found in the top 45cm of soil[].
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 dried, powdered root contains rotenone, which is widely used as an insecticide[, ]. Rotenone is effective against a range of horticultural pests, such as aphids and caterpillars, and also against external body parasites like ticks, lice, fleas and flies. It is reported to be ineffective against bedbugs, cockroaches, scale insects and red spiders.[, ].
The root of this species has been suggested as a commercial source of rotenone[].

Propagation

Seed -

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