Search

An accurate taxa delimitation, based on a full understanding of evolutionary processes involved in taxa differentiation, can be gained from a combination of ecological, morphological, and molecular approaches. The taxonomy of Magnolia subsect. Talauma in Cuba has long been debated and exclusively based on traditional morphological study of a limited number of individuals. A more accurate description of leaf morphology variation using geometric morphometrics combined with genetic data could bring consistency to taxa delimitation in this group. Leaf samples for the morphological (243) and genetic (461) analyses were collected throughout the entire distribution range. The variability of each taxon was analyzed through multivariate and geometric morphometry, and 21 genetic markers (SSR). The observed leaf morphological variability was higher than previously described. Morphological and genetic classifications were highly congruent in two out of four taxa. Our data brought evidence that Magnolia orbiculata can be considered a true species with very clear genetic and morphological limits. The main taxonomic issues concern the north-eastern Cuban populations of Magnolia subsect. Talauma. The data supported the existence of two clear groups: corresponding mainly to M. minor-M. oblongifolia and T. ophiticola. However, these two groups cannot be considered fully delimited since genetic markers provided evidence of genetic admixture between them. Due to the likely absence of, at least strong, reproductive barriers between these three taxa, we propose therefore to consider them as a species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnolia virginiana subsp. oviedoae is a threatened and endemic subspecies from Majaguillar swamp (Cuba). New surveys have shown an increase in the number of idividuals and occupied zones. Nevertheless, the magnitude and potential causes of this population growth, which could be key for the conservation of this species, are not known accurately. Our goal is to analyze the changes in the structure, distribution and conservation status of the population of Magnolia virginiana subsp. oviedoae between 2007 and 2017. In both population censuses the geographical position of each individual, vegetation type, height, type of growth (multi-stem or single-stem), and diameter were measured and referenced. For both years we calculated the habitat range, population density, rate of expansion, spatial arrangement and age structure. The conservation status was evaluated based on the population structure and distribution. The population increased 5.5 times within 10 years, with a net increase of 1,105 individuals. In both years all individuals were found in the swamp forest and swamp grassland. The height increased 2.44 times in 2017, compared to 2007, although the patch diameter remained similar in both studied years. The population showed a good age structure and aggregated spatial arrangement in both years. The subspecies is categorized as VU D2 because it has a restricted area of occupancy and a single location, with real threat in the future that could put the taxon in a higher category in a short period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification keys are the main tool for plant identification. However, the absence of a recent and up-to-date key to the botanical families present in Cuba greatly hinders the identification process by non-specialist researchers of the different groups. Here are seven keys for the identification of families of angiosperms of the flora of Cuba within selected morphological groups: terrestrial plants with compound and opposite leaves, plants with trifoliolate leaves, with translucent punctuation, with latex, climbing with tendrils, parasites and epiphytic angiosperms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]