About Millettia pachycarpa Benth.
Synonym
This species is currently also known by the scientific synonym Derris taiwaniana.
Growth Form
It is a climbing shrub.
Leaf Structure
Its leaves have 13 to 17 papery leaflets; the complete rachis (including the petiole) measures 30–50 cm (12–20 in), with the petiole itself measuring 7–9 cm (3–4 in).
Leaflet Shape
Leaflet blades are shaped elliptic-oblong to lanceolate-oblong, with bases ranging from cuneate to rounded, and acute apices.
Flower Color
Flowers are lilac-colored.
Inflorescence Arrangement
They are arranged in pseudoracemes, which grow with two to six branches beneath new stems and reach 15–30 cm (6–12 in) in length.
Inflorescence Details
The pseudoracemes are covered in brown tomentose hairs, and their rachis nodes hold clusters of two to five flowers on a 1–3 mm (0.039–0.118 in) spur.
Fruit Type
It produces dark brown, inflated legumes.
Legume Morphology
Legumes are oblong, or ovoid when containing only one seed, and are densely covered with rough, pale yellow warts.
Seed Characteristics
Each leguminous pod holds one to five dark brown, reniform seeds.
Common Name Origin
Among tribal communities of northeast India and the Tsou people of Taiwan, juice extract from crushed roots and seeds of this plant is widely used as a traditional fish poison, giving it the common name 'fish poison climber'.
Fish Poison Preparation
Users smash the plant parts against rocks to let the juice run into the water.
Fish Poison Effect
The juice stupefies and then paralyzes fish, which can then be collected by hand, net, or basket.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, this plant is used as a blood tonic, to stimulate red blood cell growth, and as part of a cancer therapy preparation called 'Jixueteng'.
Northeast Indian Medicinal Uses
Some native tribal groups in northeast India use a crushed concoction made from this plant's leaves, and eat its root bark directly, to treat intestinal infections.
