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Melicope elliptica

A.Gray (1854)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Rosids Order: Sapindales Family: Rutaceae Genus: Melicope

alani, alani kuahiwi, kaleiohi‘iaka [kaleiohiiaka], leioHi‘iaka [leioHiiaka]

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Trees 3–10 m tall, new growth sparsely gray to yellowish brown puberulent; young branches glabrous.

Stems:

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Opposite. Blades narrowly elliptic to elliptic–obovate or sometimes elliptic–ovate, 3–13(–14.5) cm long, 2–5 cm wide. Apex rounded, minutely emarginate. Base rounded, broadly cuneate, or weakly subcordate. Surfaces very sparsely puberulent, or rarely puberulent along midrib; blades, chartaceous to thin and coriaceous. Margins entire. Primary lateral veins 6–12 pairs, nearly straight and slightly ascending, connected by an arched vein 1–3 mm from margin, glabrate, venation pinnate, lateral veins connected by an arched submarginal vein, higher order venation forming a reticulate pattern. Petioles 7–30 mm long. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers 1–3(–5) in axillary cymes, peduncles 3–6 mm long, pedicels 1–4 mm long, sometimes up to 6 mm long in fruit, bracts small, opposite. Flowers bisexual (perfect) or functionally unisexual (and then plants monoecious). Calyx of 4 sepals; Sepals of pistillate flowers broadly ovate, ca. 4–5 mm long, minutely grayish puberulent externally, glabrous within, imbricate. Corolla of 4 petals; petals valvate; petals of pistillate flowers grayish white or faintly tinged with pink and/or green, narrowly ovate, 4.6–6.5 mm long, minutely puberulent externally, glabrous within. Stamens 8; Stamens rudimentary in pistillate flowers. Ovary superior (pistillate flowers), densely puberulent, 4-celled and 4-lobed, carpels connate, only slightly distinct at apex to almost entirely distinct; style 1, ca. ¾ as long as petals, terminating in 4 short stigmatic branches; ovules 2 per cell, hemitropous.

Fruit: Fruit green or pale red; 14–22 mm wide; of distinct follicles 7–11 mm long; exocarp minutely puberulent throughout with short; erect; white hairs; becoming yellowish in dry specimens; 1 or more carpels often abortive; endocarp glabrous; becoming cartilaginous with age. Seeds 1–2 per carpel; 5–7 mm long. glossy black when ripe; crustaceous; ovoid; sometimes angled from compression; embryo straight in fleshy endosperm; radicle short; cotyledons compressed; ovate; putamen brown; warty.

Ploidy: 2n = 36*

Habitat: Occurring in mesic forest.

Elevation Range: 300–860 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Endemic

Island Status

O'ahu Endemic
Molokai Endemic
Maui Endemic

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: U.S. Expl. Exped., Phan. 1: 353 (1854)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1188 (O, WM [as Pelea elliptica]); Hartley & Stone 1989:122 (COMBNOV, Syn. P. elliptica = M. elliptica); Herbarium Pacificum Staff 1996:7 (Mo); Hillebrand 1888 (M†, 1871)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., S Palawai Gulch Preserved_Specimen 18 ft. Wilbur, R.L. 612 Oahu BISH 1948-03-28
2 Melicope elliptica N. fork of valley e. of Palikea, Waianae Mts., Honouliuli, by wooded stream bank Preserved_Specimen 20 ft. bushy tree fruit red St.John, H. 10365 Oahu BISH 1930-02-23
3 Melicope elliptica head of Kukuiala Gulch. Mokuleia, Mokuleia For. Res. upper low forest at divide Preserved_Specimen Shrubby tree, 15 ft x 4 in St.John, H. 14078 Oahu BISH 1934-02-04
4 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Mokuleia trail Preserved_Specimen ~15' tree Wilbur, R.L. 419 Oahu BISH 1948-01-11
5 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., ridge NE of Puu Kanehoa Preserved_Specimen tree; fruit green, puberulent Stone, B.C. 3242 Oahu BISH 1960-03-26
6 Melicope elliptica Waianae Kai, on banks of secondary gully Preserved_Specimen Shrub 3 - 4 m height; leaves approx. decussate; fruits pink-white, branches strongly ascending and only weekly ramifying Takeuchi, W.N. 3686 Oahu BISH 1987-09-26
7 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., ridge NE of Puu Kanehoa Preserved_Specimen small tree; fruit maroon red, puberulent; endocarp glabrous Stone, B.C. 3241 Oahu BISH 1960-03-26
8 Melicope elliptica Pahole Gulch Preserved_Specimen Pink flowered, red fruited Pelea, redness obscured when dry Stemmermann, R.L. 1145 Oahu BISH 1976-08-08
9 Melicope elliptica ridge trail, E Kanehoa Preserved_Specimen 10' tree; fruit crimson Stone, B.C. 3456 Oahu BISH 1960-04-30
10 Melicope elliptica East Maui, Makawao Preserved_Specimen smaller and thin leaved Mann, H. 376 Maui BISH
11 Melicope elliptica Waianae, Makaleha Preserved_Specimen Skottsberg, C.J.F. 386 Oahu BISH 1922-08-30
12 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Lihue, ridge slope, left val Preserved_Specimen Small tree Russ, G.W. Oahu BISH 1929-10-28
13 Melicope elliptica Makaha Valley, Waianae Mts Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Oahu BISH 1909-02-12
14 Melicope elliptica Makaleha Preserved_Specimen Hillebrand, W.B. Oahu BISH 1871-01-01
15 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Kanehoa Preserved_Specimen Korte, K.H. 38 Oahu BISH 1954-01-01
16 Melicope elliptica Kaeleku W. br. near trail Preserved_Specimen Russ, G.W. Oahu BISH 1933-06-01
17 Melicope elliptica Makaha Valley Preserved_Specimen Suehiro, A. Oahu BISH 1932-04-03
18 Melicope elliptica On Piko trail, Makua valley Waianae Mtns Preserved_Specimen Furmidge, G. Oahu BISH 1932-11-25
19 Melicope elliptica Puu Kaua Preserved_Specimen Suehiro, A. Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
20 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., West of Waialua Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. Oahu BISH 1946-06-30
21 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mtns, Puu Kaua Preserved_Specimen Suehiro, A. Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
22 Melicope elliptica Makuleia side of Mokuleia-Makua Divide. Waianae Mts Preserved_Specimen Krauss, N.H. Oahu BISH 1932-11-25
23 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Kunia, 3 mi. behind pineapple fields, ridge above Lualualei Preserved_Specimen Pearsall, G.A. Oahu BISH 1959-07-27
24 Melicope elliptica Makaha Valley, Waianae Mts Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Oahu BISH 1909-02-12
25 Melicope elliptica Olualu (Olowalu) Preserved_Specimen Hillebrand, W.B. Maui BISH 1870-01-01
26 Melicope elliptica Mokuleia Forest Reserve, Tree at top of ridge, Waianae Mts Preserved_Specimen Tsuji, N. Oahu BISH 1932-11-25
27 Melicope elliptica Keaau-Makua Forest Reserve, Makua, waianae Mts Semi-moist. wooded gully Preserved_Specimen 25 ft. tree; fruit peach-colored. Hosaka, E.Y. 1943 Oahu BISH 1938-01-13
28 Melicope elliptica [Hawaiian Islands; U.S.A.; O`ahu; Hawai`i; Honolulu] Preserved_Specimen U.S. Exploring Expedition Oahu BISH
29 Melicope elliptica Lihue E. side Preserved_Specimen Russ, G.W. Oahu BISH 1929-10-01
30 Melicope elliptica Kaaikukae Preserved_Specimen Oahu BISH 1929-10-01
31 Melicope elliptica Molokai Preserved_Specimen Molokai BISH
32 Melicope elliptica Ulupalakua, E Maui, Makawao District Preserved_Specimen Maui BISH
33 Melicope elliptica unknown Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8114 BISH 1910-08-03
34 Melicope elliptica W Maui Preserved_Specimen Hillebrand, W.B. Maui BISH
35 Melicope elliptica E Kawaihapai Gulch, Mokuleia, Waianae Mts. near Makua Valley overlook along trail by way of tracking station In a camopy of dense, pur native vegetation Preserved_Specimen Obata, J.K. 212 Oahu BISH
36 Melicope elliptica Kaala road forest Preserved_Specimen tree, straggling, twiggy Degener, O. 28165 Oahu BISH 1962-11-29
37 Melicope elliptica Mokuleia-Makua divide, Mokuleia Waianae Mts rain forest Preserved_Specimen 10ft bushy shrub, common St.John, H. 12238 Oahu BISH 1932-11-25
38 Melicope elliptica Land section of Kaunakakai, Kahuaawi Gulch Talus slope in mesic native forest with Metrosideros, Psychotria, Aleurites, Pleomele, Pipturus, Microlepia, Alyxia, Nephrolepis, Pisonia, Nestegis, Antidesma. Preserved_Specimen Somewhat scandent shrub 3 m tall. The leaves and endocarps of this plant are atypically pubescent. Growth densely yellowish-brown tomentose, leaves shiney dark green on surface, paler below w/ yellow-brown villous nerve. Otherwise, it matches other M. elliptica specimens pretty well. Lau, J. 3537 Molokai BISH 1992-09-21
39 Melicope elliptica Kupehau Gulch Woods Preserved_Specimen Tree 10m x 2 dm; lvs coraceous,above dark shiny green, below green capsule white puberulent St.John, H. 22256 Oahu BISH 1946-10-13
40 Melicope elliptica East Maui, Makawao Woods above Preserved_Specimen smaller and thin leaved Mann, H. 376 Maui BISH
41 Melicope elliptica Kaluaa-Hapapa On buttress ridgeline, remnant mesic forest Preserved_Specimen Treelet Takeuchi, W.N. 3950 Oahu BISH 1988-09-01
42 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., head of Kanehoa Valley, ~3.5 mi. SE of Puu Hapapa, ridge, near stream kukui, Claoxylon, Myrsine, Straussia Preserved_Specimen Pearsall, G.A. 237 Oahu BISH 1958-10-27
43 Melicope elliptica Kawaihapai Gulch, Waianae Mts. On floor of W gully In company with Morinda trimera, Claoxylon & Pouteria. Preserved_Specimen dbh. Capsules green, pubescent. Nagata, K.M. 1159 Oahu BISH 1973-06-17
44 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts. above Kunia, between Kanehoa and Puu Kaua, head of valley, ridge dry Preserved_Specimen 15' tree Pearsall, G.A. 462 Oahu BISH 1959-11-01
45 Melicope elliptica Puu Kaua, subgulch, S Ekahanui Alectryon, Elaeocarpus, Pouteria, Antidesma, Pisonia, Charpentiera, Freycinetia, Claoxylon, Hibiscus, Pipturus, Passiflora suberosa, Labordia, Platydesma, Athyrium sandwichianum, Neraudia Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 6101 Oahu BISH 1987-06-28
46 Melicope elliptica Ridge overlooking head of Makua Valley In forest, usually foggy at night Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 9862 Oahu BISH 1932-06-26
47 Melicope elliptica Mokuleia-Makua divide, Mokuleia Waianae Mts rain forest Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12243 Oahu BISH 1932-11-25
48 Melicope elliptica Head of Keawapilau Gulch, near Pahole-Keawapilau Ridge. Mokuleia, Waianae Range Koa zone, Rich, moist forest of Metrosideros, Syzygium sp., Sideroxylon, Neraudia, Claoxylon, Gouldia, Morinda trimera, Alectryon macrococcus Preserved_Specimen Sub-arborescent shrub to 10 ft. tall. Hatheway, W.H. 495 Oahu BISH 1950-12-14
49 Melicope elliptica Waianae Kai, S ridge, S of Hesperomannia trail Acacia koa, Metrosideros, Myrsine lessertiana, Melicope, Diospyros, Freycinetia, Scaevola gaudichaudii, Dicranopteris, Labordia, Pipturus, Zanthoxylum kauense, Psidium, Alyxia, Dodonaea, Rauvolfia, Psychotria, Elaeocarpus, Hibiscus, Pisonia, Aleurites, Lantana, Sophora chrysophylla Preserved_Specimen tree Perlman, S. 6803 Oahu BISH 1987-11-08
50 Melicope elliptica Pahole gulch, rim between gulch and Makua valley, Waianae Mts., N facing slope Acacia koa, Metrosideros, Canthium, Xylosma, Freycinetia, Psychotria, Cyrtandra, Hedyotis, Schinus, Psidium cattleianum, Rollandia longiflora, Blechnum, Antidesma, Pouteria, Diospyros, Aleurites, Charpentiera, Hibiscus arnottianus, Schiedea nuttallii, Bidens torta Preserved_Specimen small tree with fruit Perlman, S. 6475 Oahu BISH 1987-09-13
51 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., right head of Lualualei, half way up slope Slope Preserved_Specimen Oswald, O. Oahu BISH 1928-10-12
52 Melicope elliptica Between summit of Piko Trail and spur dividing Makua Valley and Kahanahaiki Valley Forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8524 Oahu BISH 1932-07-10
53 Melicope elliptica S fork of Ekahahui Gulch, Puu Kaua, Honouliuli Wood nr hd of gulch Preserved_Specimen Tree 7 m x 2 dm St.John, H. 18668 Oahu BISH 1938-02-27
54 Melicope elliptica S fork of Ekahahui Gulch, Puu Kaua, Honouliuli Wooded ridge Preserved_Specimen Tree 7 m x 1 dm 18676 Oahu BISH 1938-02-27
55 Melicope elliptica Pahole Gulch Under a healthy canopy of Metrosideros; Myrsine; Cibotium; Antidesma; Bobea and Psychotria. Preserved_Specimen Welton, P. 416 Oahu BISH 1990-03-30
56 Melicope elliptica Kapuhi, Kawaihapai forest Preserved_Specimen unripe capsule bright red Degener, O. 12934 Oahu BISH 1940-09-01
57 Melicope elliptica NW hd of Makua Valley Forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 11557 Oahu BISH 1937-10-24
58 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Makaha Valley In lower woods Preserved_Specimen Tree 10 ft. X 6 in., fruits crimson, endocarp glabrous, some leaves on sucker shoots ternate. St.John, H. 11605 Oahu BISH 1932-04-03
59 Melicope elliptica Makaleha Trail Metrosideros woods Preserved_Specimen Tree 7 m x 2 dm St.John, H. 25282 Oahu BISH 1953-02-28
60 Melicope elliptica Puu Kaua, E slope Forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 10577 Oahu BISH 1936-01-19
61 Melicope elliptica Puu Kaua, Waianae Mts., on wooded ridge on wooded ridge Preserved_Specimen tree 18 ft. x 5 in. St.John, H. 12219 Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
62 Melicope elliptica W side of Makaleha on trail joing Piko Trail Rain-forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 10560 Oahu BISH 1935-07-21
63 Melicope elliptica Piko Trail, on ridge beetween Kukuiala Gulch and 2nd gulch fm W end of Mokuleia Open woods on ridge Preserved_Specimen Slender tree 20 ft x 4 in. St.John, H. 14093 Oahu BISH 1934-02-04
64 Melicope elliptica ridge SE of Schofield, Puu Hapapa forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 17741 Oahu BISH 1939-06-20
65 Melicope elliptica W side of Makaleha on trail joing Piko Trail Rain-forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 10558 Oahu BISH 1935-07-21
66 Melicope elliptica Kaua, moderate slopes of amphit heater-headed subgulch Mesic forest remnant dominated by Pouteria Preserved_Specimen Shrub/small tree generally reaching 12'-15' height Takeuchi, W.N. 3849 Oahu BISH 1988-04-17
67 Melicope elliptica Wawaia land section; Kua Gulch Mesic forest of Metrosideros, Psychotria, Schinus, Myrsine, Antidesma, Coprosma, Alyxia & Nephrolepis. Preserved_Specimen Shrubby tree 4 m tall. Lau, J. 3418 Molokai BISH 1991-08-18
68 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Makaha Valley In lower woods Preserved_Specimen Tree 10 ft. X 6 in., fruits crimson, endocarp glabrous, some leaves on sucker shoots ternate. St.John, H. 11605 Oahu BISH 1932-04-03
69 Melicope elliptica Kaala, Waianae Mts Metrosideros, Dicranopteris linearis, Psychotria, Styphelia, Dodonaea, Rubus argutus, Ilex, Broussaisia, Labordia hirtella, Cibotium, Coprosma ochracea, Cheirodendron Preserved_Specimen flower, fruit Perlman, S. 6508 Oahu BISH 1987-10-02
70 Melicope elliptica Summit of Piko trail Forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8509 Oahu BISH 1932-07-18
71 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Makaha Valley In lower woods Preserved_Specimen Tree 10 ft. X 6 in., fruits crimson, endocarp glabrous, some leaves on sucker shoots ternate. St.John, H. 11605 Oahu BISH 1932-04-03
72 Melicope elliptica Pahole Gulch, Waialua, Waianae Mts.; behind high plateau in SW section of gulch Motrosideros-Acacia koa-Canthium-Schinus association; Steep cliff area Preserved_Specimen Tree 15 ft. high, 3 dbh. Nagata, K.M. 1508 Oahu BISH 1978-01-10
73 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts., Puu Kaua Moist woods Preserved_Specimen Small tree Anderson, D. Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
74 Melicope elliptica Kealia Dense woods Preserved_Specimen Shrub 3 m tall St.John, H. 17653 Oahu BISH 1936-11-08
75 Melicope elliptica Waianae Mts. above Kunia, between Kanehoa and Puu Kaua, head of valley, ridge dry Preserved_Specimen 15' tree Pearsall, G.A. 462 Oahu BISH 1959-11-01
76 Melicope elliptica Puu Kaua, Waianae Mts., Honouliuli, wooded ridge wooded ridge Preserved_Specimen Shrub. crushed leaves with faint resinous odor St.John, H. 12225 Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
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