Ballou's melicope facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballou's melicope |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melicope
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| Species: |
balloui
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Melicope balloui, also known as Ballou's melicope or rock pelea, is a special kind of plant. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus fruits like oranges and lemons!
This plant is found only in one place: the Hawaiian Islands. When a plant or animal lives only in one specific area, it is called endemic. Sadly, Ballou's melicope is in danger. It is threatened by habitat loss, which means its natural home is being destroyed. Like other Melicope plants in Hawaii, this species is also called alani.
About Ballou's Melicope
Ballou's melicope was first described in 1913 by a scientist named Joseph Rock. He named it after Howard M. Ballou, who helped him by proofreading his book about Hawaiian trees.
What Does it Look Like?
This plant can be a small shrub or a small tree. It has tough, oval-shaped leaves. These leaves can grow up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long and 7 centimeters (about 2.7 inches) wide.
When the plant is young, its twigs are covered in soft, yellow-brown hairs. The female flowers grow in groups of 5 to 9. Scientists have never seen the male flowers of this plant. After the flowers, the plant produces a fruit. This fruit is a capsule, which is a dry fruit that opens to release seeds. It is about 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) wide.
Where Does it Live?
Ballou's melicope is very rare. It is only found on the slopes of the volcano Haleakalā on the island of Maui in Hawaii. There is only one known group of these plants left in the wild. Scientists do not know exactly how many plants are in this group.
Why is it Important?
Because Ballou's melicope is found in only one place and is losing its home, it is considered critically endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. Protecting plants like Ballou's melicope helps keep the natural world healthy and diverse. It also protects the unique ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands.
