EN

Melicope orbicularis

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Melicope orbicularis faces severe habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Hawaiian Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and compete for resources. Small population size and restricted distribution make it highly susceptible to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian tree species inhabits native montane wet forests and mesic forests, typically found at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It grows in areas with high rainfall and rich volcanic soils, often associated with other native Hawaiian forest species in relatively undisturbed forest remnants.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

CR

Melicope quadrangularis

Declining
VU

Melicope wawraeana

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Melicope orbicularis classified as Endangered?
Melicope orbicularis is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Melicope orbicularis faces severe habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Hawaiian Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and compete for resources. Small population size and restricted distribution make it highly susceptible to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.
Where does Melicope orbicularis live?
Melicope orbicularis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Melicope orbicularis?
The main threats to Melicope orbicularis are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.