Contributions of the National Botanical Garden in studies on systematics and taxonomy in the flora of Cuba (1998-2020): Taxonomic studies carried out

Abstract

Introduction: The flora of a country constitutes the set of its plants and one of its most valuable riches. The knowledge of the flora is primordial for its use, conservation and management, which is sustained in different methods, according to the nature of the studied plant structure.

Methods: It is presented how the plant material is obtained, and they are described the methods used for taxa characterization and delimitation. Amongst these methods are the classic macromorphology, the geometric morphometry, the palynology, the micromorphology of leafs, fruits and seeds, using either stereoscopic, optic or electronic microscopes. Furthermore, they are described the methods to determine the correct name of taxa and to reconstruct its phylogenetic relationship.

Results: The botanical expeditions made by the researchers of the National Botanical Garden have covered a large part of the national surface and they are the support of the taxonomic and systematic studies of the Cuban flora. As a result, 236 nomenclatural novelties have been published, comprising 61 new taxa for science, 44 new combinations and 131 replacement names. Moreover, they have been relocated rare or lost species and they have been completed gaps found on published descriptions. It is illustrated the application of different methods for taxonomic delimitation, alongside the morphological characterization and the definition of monophyletic groups with its respective taxonomic implications. As conclusions, the suitable method selection and its development has allowed the taxonomic update of diverse groups of the Cuban flora, and has set the ground basis for the continuity of these studies.