Auwahi melicope facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Auwahi melicope |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melicope
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| Species: |
adscendens
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Melicope adscendens is a very rare flowering plant. It is part of the citrus family. People also call it auwahi melicope. This plant is found only on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It is an endangered species, which means it is protected by law because it is in danger of disappearing. Like other Melicope plants in Hawaii, it is also known as alani.
What it Looks Like
This plant is a shrub. It has long, thin branches. Its flowers grow in small groups of 1 to 3.
Where it Lives
Melicope adscendens grows in forests on the slopes of the volcano Haleakalā. These forests are not in very good condition.
There is only one plant known to be on state-owned land. It is inside a protected area called the Kanaio Natural Area Reserve. This plant is making fruit, which means it can make seeds for new plants. About 25 more plants might be on private land. However, these other plants have not been seen making fruit.
Why it is Endangered
This plant is in danger because its home is being lost and damaged.
Threats to its Home
- Grazing Animals: The slopes of the volcano are used as pastures for farm animals like cattle. Also, wild animals with hooves, such as feral pigs, Axis deer, and feral goats, live there. These animals eat the plants and damage their habitat.
- New Plants: Many plants from other places have been brought to the area. These non-native plants can take over the space and resources that Melicope adscendens needs to grow. Some of these plants include:
- Balloon plant (Asclepias physocarpa)
- Beggarticks (Bidens pilosa)
- Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)
- Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)
These threats make it very hard for Melicope adscendens to survive and reproduce.
See also
In Spanish: Melicope adscendens para niños
