Melicope ovalis
Appearance
Melicope ovalis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Sapindales |
Family: | Rutaceae |
Genus: | Melicope |
Species: | M. ovalis
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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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.