Kokee Stream melicope facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kokee Stream melicope |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melicope
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| Species: |
degeneri
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Melicope degeneri is a very rare flowering plant. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus fruits. People often call it Kokee Stream melicope or Degener's pelea. In Hawaii, like other plants in its group, it is known as alani.
This plant is special because it is endemic to Hawaii. This means it naturally grows only on the island of Kauai and nowhere else in the world. It is also a federally listed endangered species in the United States. This means it is protected by law because it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
What is Melicope degeneri?
Melicope degeneri can grow as a shrub or a small tree. It has leaves that grow in pairs, opposite each other on the stem. Its flowers usually grow in groups of three. When the plant produces fruit, they are shaped like small cubes.
Where Does It Live?
This plant likes to live in wet mountain forests. These forests are often found in high, rainy areas on the island of Kauai. The damp environment helps it to grow.
A Plant's Amazing Comeback
The first time scientists officially collected a sample of this plant was in 1926. After that, no one saw Melicope degeneri for many years. People thought it might have become extinct, meaning it had completely died out.
Rediscovery and Rarity
But then, in 1993, scientists found it again! This was a very exciting rediscovery. Today, this plant is still incredibly rare. There are only about 22 or 23 individual plants known to exist in the wild. This makes every single plant very important for the species' survival.
Why is Melicope degeneri Endangered?
The main reason Melicope degeneri is endangered is because its home is being damaged. This damage comes from a few different things.
Threats from Animals
Wild animals like feral goats and pigs cause problems. They can eat the plants or trample them, which hurts the habitat. These animals were brought to Hawaii by people and are not native to the islands.
Competition from Other Plants
Another big threat comes from non-native plants. These are plants that were brought to Hawaii from other parts of the world. They grow very fast and compete with Melicope degeneri for space, sunlight, and water. This makes it hard for the rare native plant to survive and grow.
