| Melicope ovalis | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Melicope |
| Species: | M. ovalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Melicope ovalis (H.St.John) T.G.Hartley & B.C.Stone |
|
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.[1]
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.[1]
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]