Melicope ovalis

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Melicope ovalis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Melicope
Species:
M. ovalis
Binomial name
Melicope ovalis

Melicope ovalis, the wild pelea or Hana melicope, is a species of tree in the family Rutaceae. It is endemic to Maui, of the Hawaiian Islands.

Distribution

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] 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.[3]

Description

The Melicope ovalis tree grows up to 5 metres (16 ft) in height. The leathery oval leaves grow up to 16 centimeters long by 10 wide. They have a scent similar to anise when crushed.[4]

References

  1. ^ World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1998). "Melicope ovalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1998: e.T33557A9793341. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T33557A9793341.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Melicope ovalis. The Nature Conservancy.
  3. ^ USFWS. Species Reports: Plants.
  4. ^ USFWS. Endangered Status for Three Hawaiian Plant Species of the Genus Melicope. Federal Register December 5, 1994.