Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - home page Science and Horticulture Conservation and Wildlife Collections Data and Publications Education
What's New
What's New
Visitor Info
Visitor Info
Features and Events
Features and Events
About Us
About Us
How You Can Help
How You Can Help
Shops and Services
Shops and Services


Collections

Economic Botany Collections

The New Guinea Collection

Roots used as fish poison

Roots used as fish poison

Catalogue no:

60267

Botanical classification:

FABACEAE Paraderris elliptica

Donor:

H. Devett & Co.

Donor date:

1897

Geographical origin:

New Guinea

Information on the label:

Henry Devett & Co., Dunster House, Mincing Lane, E.C. Roots from New Guinea; used by natives for catching fish. The roots are dried & ground to a powder which the natives spread over coral reefs where the fish abound. The fish become stupefied by the root and then are easily caught. Recd. 27.8.1897

 

Derris root contains the compound rotenone, and has long been used as a fish poison as the fish can still be eaten by humans after being caught. Rotenone also has insecticidal properties, and has, along with other related compounds, been used in organic farming to control pests. At the time of collection the plant was named Derris elliptica; the roots were sent to Kew for identification.

Back to New Guinea: British Administration

 

Back to Economic Botany Collection home page

 

 

  
 

Home | Collections | Economic Botany Research |

  

 

\n