Melicope degeneri

Melicope degeneri

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Melicope
Species: M. degeneri
Binomial name
Melicope degeneri
(B.C.Stone) T.G.Hartley & B.C.Stone

Melicope degeneri is a rare species of flowering plant in the citrus family known by the common names Kokee Stream melicope[1] and Degener's pelea.[2] It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the island of Kauai. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. Like other Hawaiian Melicope, this species is known as alani.[3]

This is a shrub or tree with oppositely arranged leaves, flowers usually in clusters of three, and cube-shaped fruits.[2] It grows in wet mountain forests.[4]

The type specimen of this plant was collected in 1926.[2] The species was not seen again and was thought to be extinct until its 1993 rediscovery. Today there are 22 or 23 known individuals.[4]

This plant is threatened by the degradation of its habitat by the activity of feral goats and pigs and competition with non-native plants.[2]

References

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