Kingdom Plantae Family Rutaceae Scientific name Melicope ovalis Rank Species | Order Sapindales Genus Melicope Higher classification Melicope | |
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Melicope ovalis (Wild pelea or Hana melicope) is a species of tree in the Rutaceae family. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. 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.
This tree grows up to five meters in height. The leathery oval leaves grow up to 16 centimeters long by 10 wide. They have a scent similar to anise when crushed.
This tree is only present in Kīpahulu Valley in Haleakalā National Park on Maui. It is threatened by the degradation of its habitat due to the presence of feral pigs and introduced species of plants.
References
Melicope ovalis Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA