Melicope ovalis

Common Names

Alani, Hana Melicope, Wild Pelea, Alanis

Summary

Hana melicope is a Maui native tree occurring in Kipahulu Valley within Haleakalā National Park, in koa- and ’ohi’a-dominated montane wet forests at 850–1,430 m. It grows up to 5 m tall; new growth is covered with fine brown hairs that later become hairless; leaves are opposite, leathery, broadly elliptic, 8–16 cm long and 4–10 cm wide with 3–4 cm petioles and hairless surfaces; bruised foliage has an anise odor. Inflorescences bear 3–7 flowers on stalks 10–13 mm long; fruit is a capsule about 10 mm long and 13–15 mm wide; seeds are glossy black and about 5 mm; exocarp/endocarp are hairless; distinguished by carpels fused along almost their entire length, with nonpersistent sepals and petals and well-developed petioles.

Conservation and cultivation considerations include a federally endangered status with a single known extant population in Kipahulu Valley, Haleakalā National Park; threats from habitat degradation, feral pigs, and competition from alien plants such as Hilo grass and strawberry guava; management involves barrier fences, pig removal, alien plant control, and seeds provided to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens for propagation.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

16 ft

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-developed volcanic soil

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds