Lonchocarpus urucu, or barbasco, is plant 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 metres (330–5,910 ft) above sea level. It was also recorded in Venezuela.[1]
| Lonchocarpus urucu | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Lonchocarpus |
| Species: | L. urucu
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lonchocarpus urucu | |
Cubé resin, the root extract from Barbasco and from cubé (Lonchocarpus utilis), 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.
Taxonomic status
editThe taxonomic status as a species with the name Lonchocarpus urucu ist still to be resolved, as it is also considered a variety of Deguelia rufescens: Deguelia rufescens var. urucu (Killip & A.C.Sm.) A.M.G.Azeved.[2]
Toxicity
editBarbasco is toxic to insects, fish, and other pests. The primary threat to humans and other mammals comes from inhaling the powdered root or root extract. It has been used by the Shuar people of Ecuador and the Nukak people of Colombia as a poison for fishing.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Lonchocarpus urucu". Tropical Species Database. Retrieved December 1, 2013.[permanent dead link]
- ^ The Plant List: Deguelia rufescens var. urucu (Killip & A.C.Sm.) A.M.G.Azeved is an unresolved name.
- ^ Soto Laveaga, Gabriela (2009). Jungle Laboratories: Mexican peasants, National Projects and the Making of the Pill. Duke University. pp. 72–73.