Derris (Noun)
Meaning
Any of various usually woody vines of the genus Derris of tropical Asia whose roots yield the insecticide rotenone; several are sources of native fish and arrow poisons.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The local tribesman gathered the roots of the derris plant for its potent insecticidal properties.
- In Southeast Asia, derris is widely used as a natural fish poison due to its toxic compound rotenone.
- Some species of derris have become invasive in non-native ecosystems, disrupting local wildlife and plant populations.
- Rotenone extracted from the roots of the derris plant has been used for centuries by the indigenous people to poison fish for food.
- The plant derris contains high concentrations of rotenone in its roots, making it a valuable resource for organic pest control in gardens.