Derris microphylla
Derris microphylla
Safety & 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.
Cultivation Details
A plant of low to moderate elevations in tropical areas being found at elevations of 200 - 1,200 metres[1]. It grows best in areas with a well-distributed rainfall pattern[2]. 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[2]. Grows well on poor soils[1]. Plants are very wind tolerant[3]. Vetch tree is slow growing and requires little maintenance. It tolerates pruning and pollarding[1]. Spacing recommended when planting for firewood and timber is 3 m x 3 m, with gradual thinning out to a final spacing after 10 years of 10 m x 10 m. 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[2].
Propagation
Seed - Cuttings Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Derris+microphylla>
Pollinators
Data unavailable
References
- [1]World Agroforesty Centre — http://www.worldagroforestry.org/ ↩︎An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
- [2]The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation — Allen O.N.; Allen E.K. · University of Wisconsin · 1981 · ISBN 0-333-32221-5 ↩︎An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
- [3]Plant Resources of Southeast Asia — http://proseanet.org/ ↩︎Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
- [4]The Genera Aganope, Derris, and Paraderris (Fabaceae, Millettieae) in Thailand — Sirichamorn Y.; Adema F.A.C.B.; & van Welzen P.C. · 2012 ↩︎
- [5]Mansfeld's Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants — http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336 ↩︎Terse details of a huge range of useful plants.