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.
| Melicope ovalis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Melicope |
| Species: | M. ovalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Melicope ovalis | |
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
- World Conservation Monitoring Centre 1998. Melicope ovalis. 2010 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 30 May 2011.
- Melicope ovalis. The Nature Conservancy.
- USFWS. Species Reports: Plants.
- USFWS. Endangered Status for Three Hawaiian Plant Species of the Genus Melicope. Federal Register December 5, 1994.
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