Melicope degeneri

Melicope degeneri
Conservation status
	; Critically Imperiled (NatureServe)[1]
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

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]

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.

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[tnc-1] Melicope degeneri. The Nature Conservancy.

[usda-2] USDA Plants Profile

[fed-3] USFWS. Species Reports: Plants.

[end-4] USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for 48 Species on Kauai and Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule. Federal Register April 13, 2010.