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 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

Distribution

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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

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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

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  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.