Deguelia utilis, syn. Lonchocarpus utilis (cubé, (common) lancepod or barbasco) is a species of shrub in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropical forests of Peru, as well as of Brazil and Guyana, growing from 100–1,800 m (330–5,910 ft) above sea level.

Deguelia utilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Deguelia
Species:
D. utilis
Binomial name
Deguelia utilis
Synonyms[1]
  • Derris utilis (A.C.Sm.)
  • Lonchocarpus nicou var. utilis (A.C.Sm.)
  • Lonchocarpus utilis A.C.Sm.
  • Deguelia alata M.Sousa
  • Lonchocarpus nicou var. languidus F.J.Herm.

Cubé resin, the root extract from cubé and from barbasco (Lonchocarpus urucu), is used as a commercial insecticide and piscicide (fish poison). The major active ingredients are rotenone and deguelin. Although "organic" (produced by nature) rotenone is no longer considered an environmentally safe chemical.

Miscellaneous

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Cubé is toxic to insects, fish, and other pets. The primary threat to humans and other mammals comes from inhaling the powdered root or root extract.

References

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  1. ^ "Deguelia utilis (A.C.Sm.) A.M.G.Azevedo". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. Retrieved 2023-09-20.