Origin of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Names of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. is commonly known as rust-leaved derris, iron derris, and siamol.
Uses of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
The roots, stems, and leaves of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. contain rotenone, a natural insecticide. The plant has been traditionally used for agricultural purposes, such as killing insects and pests in crops. It is also used in pisciculture to control fish parasites. In addition, it has medicinal properties and has been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments, including rheumatism and fever.
General Appearance of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. is a woody climber that can reach up to 10 meters in length. It has rust-colored hairy stems and leaves, which are pinnately compound with 9-11 leaflets. The flowers are pink to white and arranged in terminal and axillary racemes. The fruit is a flat legume pod that contains 1-2 seeds.
Growth Conditions for Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea, also known as Rusty Derris, is native to Southeast Asia and can primarily be found in India, the Philippines, and Malaysia. It is common and often found in lower and upper dipterocarp forests and may grow up to 30 meters in height.
Light Requirements
Derris ferruginea prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, but it can tolerate full sun in some instances. It is best to grow it under 50 percent or below the canopy. In areas where sunlight is intense, the plant can suffer from leaf burn, and its growth may be stunted.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures from 15°C to 35°C. However, it prefers a warm, humid, and tropical climate. If grown in a region with cold temperatures, the plant struggles to establish itself, and its growth is arrested.
Soil Requirements
Derris ferruginea prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It doesn't grow well in waterlogged and compacted soils. If the soil is dry, it is best to mulch it and avoid frequent watering as it can promote root rot. A pH range between 5.5 to 7 is optimal for growth.
In conclusion, Derris ferruginea requires a warm and humid environment with partial shade and well-drained soils. With proper care, the plant can thrive and provide a habitat for wildlife.
Cultivation Methods for Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea is a hardy plant and can be grown in a variety of soil types. However, the plant thrives best in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for growing Derris ferruginea is between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate and can be grown in partial or full sun.
Propagation of Derris ferruginea can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. If using seeds, they should be soaked overnight before planting. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and planted in a moist rooting medium to encourage root growth.
Watering Needs for Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In dry climates, it is recommended to provide the plant with mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization for Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea responds well to regular fertilization. A balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) fertilizer should be applied once every three months. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used. Fertilization should be reduced during the plant's dormant period.
Pruning for Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea requires minimal pruning. However, to maintain the plant's shape and size, prune lightly after the flowering period. Dead and diseased branches should be promptly removed to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth.
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. The plant is commonly propagated through seed germination, root cutting, and air layering methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. are small and should be sown in shallow containers at a depth of approximately 2 cm. Germination occurs within 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have reached a height of 10–15 cm. The seedlings should be maintained under partial shade until they are fully established.
Root Cutting Propagation
Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. can be propagated through root cuttings taken from mature plants. The cutting should be taken from the root crown, and the length of the cutting should be approximately 10-15 cm. These cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix, and kept under high humidity in a shaded area until they root. Rooting occurs within 4-6 weeks, and once root development is evident, the plant can be transferred to an appropriate potting mix and maintained under partial shade until fully established.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is an efficient method of propagating Derris ferruginea (Roxb.) Benth. The branch to be propagated should be selected first. A section of bark approximately 2 cm in length is removed from the branch leaving the cambium layer exposed. The exposed section is then wrapped in a moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic film or aluminum foil until developing roots are visible. The newly rooted propagated plant is then cut from the parent plant and planted in an appropriate potting mix, and maintained under partial shade until fully established.
Disease Management
Derris ferruginea is known to be relatively resistant to many common plant diseases. However, it can still be affected by certain diseases such as root rot and leaf spots.
Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that live in soil and can infect the roots of Derris ferruginea, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Fungicides can also be used but must be applied as a preventative measure before the disease appears.
Leaf spots: Spots on the leaves of Derris ferruginea can be caused by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. These can be managed through good sanitation practices such as removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides and bactericides can be used to control the spread of these diseases.
Pest Management
Derris ferruginea may also be affected by several pests that can cause damage to the plant.
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. To manage aphids, wash the leaves with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap or oil.
Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and stunted growth. To manage mites, remove infested leaves and apply a miticide.
Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can eat through the leaves of the plant, causing extensive damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant or use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
