Rank Species | Genus Lonchocarpus Higher classification Lonchocarpus | |
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Similar Lonchocarpus, Legumes, Lonchocarpus punctatus, Lonchocarpus nitidus, Faboideae | ||
Lonchocarpus urucu, or barbasco, is plant 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. It was also recorded in Venezuela.
Contents
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
The 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.
Other useful information
Barbasco 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. It has been used by the Shuar people of Ecuador and the Nukak people of Colombia as a poison for fishing.