Melicope ovalis

Melicope ovalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Melicope
Species: M. ovalis
Binomial name
Melicope ovalis
(H.St.John) T.G.Hartley & B.C.Stone

Melicope ovalis (Wild pelea or Hana melicope) is a species of tree in the Rutaceae family. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other Hawaiian Melicope, this species is known as alani.[1]

This tree grows up to five meters in height. The leathery oval leaves grow up to 16 centimeters long by 10 wide. They have a scent similar to anise when crushed.[1]

This tree is only present in Kīpahulu Valley in Haleakalā National Park on Maui.[2] It is threatened by the degradation of its habitat due to the presence of feral pigs and introduced species of plants.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 USFWS. Species Reports: Plants.
  2. 1 2 Melicope ovalis. The Nature Conservancy.
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