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Derris elliptica (Wall.) Benth.
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Synonyms: | Millettia piscatoria Merr. |
| Common Name: | Tuba, Poison Vine |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | From India to Indonesia. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A large climber which can grow up to 5 to 12m long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are pinnate-compound and alternately arranged along the stems. New leaves are red but turn green when mature. Leaflets are obovate and coriaceous with an acute apex and are very pale green on the underside. |
| Flowers | Flowers are borne on axillary racemes which can grow up to a length of 18cm. Flowers are pink in colour. |
| Habitat | It is found along muddy river banks, mangrove forests and forests at low-altitude. |
| Cultivation | Can be grown under partial sun with free draining, moisture-retentive and loam based growing medium. |
| Etymology | The genus name was derived from Greek, 'Derris' meaning a leathery covering in reference to the leathery seed pods. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: It is cultivated for the insecticide Rotenone which is derived from the roots and used widely in the horticulture industry. The freshly pounded roots are also used as fish poison. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Naturalistic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Red |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Compound |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Cuspidate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Individual Flower Shape | Papilionaceous / Pea-shaped |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Leathery |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31340 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5737 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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