Melicope clemensiae

Melicope clemensiae is a plant in the family Rutaceae. It is native to Borneo.

Description

Melicope clemensiae grows as a shrub or tree up to tall. The leaves are olanceolate or obovate to elliptic and measure up to long. The are and feature many small unisexual flowers with white to cream-coloured petals. The glabrous quality of the leaves is the main differentiation of this species with respect to Melicope subunifoliolata.

Taxonomy

Melicope clemensiae was described in 1994 by the American botanist Thomas Gordon Hartley. The type specimen was collected in Kinabalu Park on Borneo. The species is named for the American botanist Mary Strong Clemens.

Distribution and habitat

Melicope clemensiae is endemic to Borneo, where it is currently known only from Sarawak and Sabah. Its habitat is mostly in primary forests, situated in hilly areas, at elevations of. The species also occurs near rivers.

Conservation

Melicope clemensiae has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Although so far found in a limited number of areas, the species is likely to occur more widely and is not considered threatened. It is not known to be traded or locally used. Melicope clemensiae is present in protected areas including Kinabalu Park and Sosopodon Forest Reserve.