Derris trifoliata is a plant species in the genus Derris. Lianas, glabrous. Leaves 5-foliolate; rachis 7-15 cm, including petiole 5-9 cm; leaflet blades ovate-oblong, firmly papery to subleathery, base rounded to slightly cordate, apex obtusely acuminate. Pseudoracemes axillary, 5-10 cm; rachis nodes with 2 or 3(-6) fascicled flowers sometimes borne on a short branchlet. Pedicel 2-4 mm. Flowers ca. 1.2 cm.
The rotenoid 6aα,12aα-12a-hydroxyelliptone can be found in the stems of D. trifoliata. A new flavanone, 4',5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-di-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)- flavanone, was isolated from the aerial parts of Derris trifoliate, together with eleven known compounds: rotenone, tephrosin, 12a-hydroxyrotenone, deguelin, 6a,12a-dehydro-rotenone, dehydrodeguelin, 7a-O-methyldeguelol, 7a-O-methylelliptonol, 5,7,3',4'-tetra-hydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone, daidzein and 4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone. 7a-O-Methylelliptonol was isolated for the first time from the genus Derris.
