Deguelia utilis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Rosids |
Order: | Fabales |
Family: | Fabaceae |
Genus: | Deguelia |
Species: | D. utilis |
Binomial name | |
Deguelia utilis (A.C.Sm.) A.M.G.Azevedo |
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Synonyms | |
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Deguelia utilis, syn. Lonchocarpus utilis (cubé, (common) lancepod or barbasco) is plant species in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the tropical forests of Peru, as well as of Brazil and Guyana, growing from 100–1,800 metres (330–5,910 ft) above sea level.
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.
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.