Melicope degeneri
Melicope degeneri is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae known by the common names Kokee Stream melicope[2] and Degener's pelea.[1] 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]
| Melicope degeneri | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Melicope |
| Species: | M. degeneri |
| Binomial name | |
| Melicope degeneri (B.C.Stone) T.G.Hartley & B.C.Stone | |
This is a shrub or tree with oppositely arranged leaves, flowers usually in clusters of three, and cube-shaped fruits.[1] It grows in wet mountain forests.[4]
The type specimen of this plant was collected in 1926.[1] 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.[1]
References
- Melicope degeneri. The Nature Conservancy.
- USDA Plants Profile
- USFWS. Species Reports: Plants.
- USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.