Endemic species of Cuba: the case of Garcinia aristata (manajú)

Abstract

A review article is presented on the species Garcinia aristata (manajú) endemic to Cuba and evaluated in the category of critical danger in the Red List of Flora of Cuba. In order to reflect on the essential elements that give vital importance to the conservation of the species, a taxonomic description is made from an exhaustive bibliographic review, taking into account the hierarchical order of the taxa (kingdom, division, class and family). In the botanical description, its size, root, stem, leaves and flowers are characterized. Reference is also made to ecology, forestry and management for its propagation taking into account the protection, conservation and use of the species. The actions undertaken in Cuba for their protection were mentioned, among which are reproduction under laboratory conditions and the establishment of a germplasm bank in the provinces of Ciego de Ávila and Las Tunas. After the analysis carried out, it is considered that the scientific studies and publications on the management and farming of this species are not sufficient.