Overview
Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly known as the Derris root.
General appearance
The Derris elliptica plant is a woody climber that can grow up to 20 meters in length. It has dark green, pinnate leaves that are typically 15-30 cm long. The flowers are small, pink or purple in color, and they grow in panicles.
Common Names
The Derris elliptica plant has several common names including Derris root, Ceylon tea root, Tubow, Tuba, and Capea root.
Uses
The roots of the Derris elliptica plant contain rotenone, a compound that is toxic to insects and fish. It has been traditionally used as a natural insecticide in agriculture and as a fish poison by indigenous peoples in Southeast Asia. In addition to its insecticidal properties, the roots of the Derris elliptica plant have also been used for their medicinal properties. They have been used to treat a variety of ailments including rheumatism, skin diseases, and as a general tonic.
Light Requirements
Derris elliptica is a tropical plant that requires bright light to thrive. It prefers an area that receives partial to full sunlight. Direct sun exposure for an extended period of time can cause damage to the foliage, thus it is preferable to grow it in filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Derris elliptica is adapted to tropical conditions and has a minimum temperature requirement of 20°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extreme temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20-30°C. It does not tolerate cold drafts, so it's recommended to keep the plant in a warm location without strong air conditioning.
Soil Requirements
Derris elliptica prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.5). The plant does well in a soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and sand. The soil must be kept moist, but not saturated. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant's health.
Cultivation methods
Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal care and maintenance. It can be easily cultivated in a variety of soil conditions, provided that it is planted in an area that receives the right amount of sunlight. The plant thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and can tolerate a range of pH levels.
Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If propagating through seeds, it's best to scarify the seeds to enhance germination. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil, cover lightly with soil, and keep them moist until germination occurs.
Watering needs
Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. enjoys a moist environment, but it's important not to overwater it to avoid root rot. It's best to water deeply but infrequently to allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and environmental conditions. In winter, water the plant less frequently, but ensure that the soil doesn't dry out completely.
Fertilization
Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. responds well to regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer is also an excellent option for providing nutrients to the plant throughout the season. If the plant is grown in poor soil, it may require more frequent fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. However, it can benefit the plant's overall health and appearance. Light pruning, like removing dead or damaged branches, can promote new growth and maintain the plant's shape. It's best to prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid affecting the new growth.
Propagation of Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth.
Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. can be propagatd through various methods such as:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. is through seed propagation. Collect the seeds from mature pods and plant them in a well-draining soil mix with adequate moisture content. It typically takes around two to four weeks for the seeds to germinate, and they should be kept in a warm and humid environment.
Cutting propagation
An alternative method of propagation is through cuttings. Take cuttings of around 10 cm length from healthy and mature plants and plant them in a rooting medium. Keep the cuttings in a warm and humid environment and water them regularly. They should develop roots in around two to six weeks, at which point they can be transplanted to individual containers.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagation that is suitable for Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. In this process, select a mature stem and remove a section of bark around 2-3 cm wide. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area and then wrap a damp moss around it. Cover the moss with plastic and wait for roots to develop. Once roots have formed, remove the stem from the parent plant and transplant it into an individual container.
Division
Derris elliptica (Wallich) Benth. can also be propagated through division. For this method, carefully divide the root ball of the parent plant into multiple sections and replant each section in individual containers filled with well-draining soil. This method is best done during the plant's dormant season.
Disease and Pest Management for Derris elliptica
Proper disease and pest management are essential for the optimal growth and yield of Derris elliptica. Neglecting these factors may lead to decreased production and decreased health of the plant.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that affect Derris elliptica are:
- Anthracnose
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
These diseases can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to the death of the plant in severe cases.
Management of Diseases
The following management practices are recommended to control diseases in Derris elliptica:
- Use of resistant varieties
- Proper hygiene practices to reduce the spread of pathogens
- Fungicide application at the first sign of infection
These practices can help to prevent the incidence and spread of diseases in Derris elliptica.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that affect Derris elliptica are:
- Aphids
- Leaf miners
- Scale insects
These pests can feed on plant tissues, weakening the plant and causing reduced yields.
Management of Pests
The following management practices are recommended to control pests in Derris elliptica:
- Use of insect-resistant varieties
- Regular inspection of plants to identify pests early
- Use of insecticide application when necessary
These management practices can help to reduce the pest population and prevent further damage to the plant.
