Melicope ovalis
| Melicope ovalis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | M. ovalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Melicope ovalis | |
Melicope ovalis (Wild pelea or Hana melicope) is a species of tree in the Rutaceae family. It is endemic to Maui, of the Hawaiian Islands.
Distribution
This tree is only present in Kīpahulu Valley in Haleakalā National Park on Maui.[1] It is threatened by the degradation of its habitat due to the presence of feral pigs and introduced species of plants.[1] 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.[2]
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.[3]
References
- ^ 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.
External links
- World Conservation Monitoring Centre 1998. Melicope ovalis. 2010 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 30 May 2011.
 | This Rutaceae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |