Three-leaf derris (Derris trifoliata, Fl. Cochinch.: 433 (1790))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Lour.

Bibliography: Fl. Cochinch.: 433 (1790)

Year: 1790

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Derris

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Somalia to S. Africa and W. Pacific

Description

The three-leaf derris, scientifically named Derris trifoliata, is a plant species recognized for its widespread distribution from southern Somalia to southern Africa and across the Western Pacific. This member of the Fabaceae family was first detailed in botanical literature in the Flora Cochinchinensis in 1790 by the botanist João de Loureiro.

Derris trifoliata is characterized by its trifoliate leaf structure, meaning each leaf is divided into three leaflets. This feature not only aids in its identification but also contributes to its common name. The plant is typically found in various regions with tropical and subtropical climates, thriving particularly well in mangrove areas and coastal habitats where it can benefit from the moist and saline environment.

As a part of the Fabaceae family, Derris trifoliata shares many traits with other legumes, including the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which enhances soil fertility and benefits surrounding vegetation. Its flowers exhibit the classic structure associated with legumes, potentially aiding in the identification among other flora.

The ecological distribution of this species across such a wide range highlights its adaptability and resilience in different environments. The three-leaf derris not only plays a significant role in its native ecosystems but also holds potential interest for further studies in botany and ecology due to its intriguing characteristics and broad habitat range.

In summary, Derris trifoliata is a notable species within the Fabaceae family, distinguished by its trifoliate leaves, and its capacity to thrive across a diverse range of coastal and tropical regions from southern Somalia to the southern parts of Africa and the Western Pacific.

Common Names

Msa: ketui, pepanjat
Eng: three-leaf derris, threeleaf derris
En: Three-leaf derris, Threeleaf derris
Zh: 三葉魚藤, 鱼藤
Ms: Ketui, Pepanjat
Ml: പൊന്നുംവള്ളി
Pt: Timborana, Timbó-venenoso
Zh-tw: 三葉魚藤
Th: ถอบแถบทะเล
Zh-hant: 魚藤
Vi: Cóc kèn

Synonyms

• Pterocarpus frutescens (Blanco)
• Pterocarpus floribundus ((Miq.) Kuntze)
• Pterocarpus uliginosus ((Willd.) Roxb. ex G.Don)
• Pterocarpus trifoliatus ((Lour.) Kuntze)
• Robinia uliginosa (Willd.)
• Dalbergia heterophylla (Willd.)
• Deguelia uliginosa ((Willd.) Baill.)
• Deguelia trifoliata ((Lour.) Taub.)
• Pterocarpus forstenianus ((Blume ex Miq.) Kuntze)
• Tephrosia uliginosa ((Willd.) Spreng.)
• Pongamia maritima (Wight ex Wall.)
• Dalbergia radicans (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Dalbergia repens (Span.)
• Pongamia lucida (Graham)
• Pongamia religiosa (Wight)
• Pterocarpus multiflorus ((Benth.) Kuntze)
• Brachypterum floribundum (Miq.)
• Deguelia multiflora ((Benth.) Taub.)
• Pongamia madagascariensis (Bojer ex Baker)
• Derris trifoliata var. macrocarpa (Domin)
• Sweetia uliginosa ((Willd.) G.Don)
• Pongamia piscatoria (Seem.)
• Galedupa uliginosa ((Willd.) Roxb.)
• Derris affinis (Benth.)
• Derris forsteniana (Blume ex Miq.)
• Pongamia uliginosa ((Willd.) DC.)
• Pongamia triphylla (Wight)
• Dalbergia acuminata (Hassk.)
• Derris heterophylla ((Willd.) Backer ex K.Heyne)
• Derris uliginosa ((Willd.) Benth.)
• Derris multiflora (Benth.)
• Deguelia floribunda ((Miq.) Taub.)
• Derris uliginosa var. loureiroi (Benth.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Comoros (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nauru (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tonga (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Hoensch Gabi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2017 by micka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Bernard Suprin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 14, 2020 by marei-Louise Dabome (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 16, 2020 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Bernard Suprin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Karl (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Karl Johnston (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 22, 2008 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Feb 16, 2020 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Coordination Endemia (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 16, 2020 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Bernard Suprin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 17, 2008 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5350336)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:491450-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Derris trifoliata Lour.)

Specifications

Growth