Genus Pogostemon (Lamiaceae) in Cuba

• Main Authors: Isidro E. Méndez Santos, Rayner Morales Pérez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad de Camagüey Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz 2019-04-01
• Series: Agrisost
• Subjects: cuban flora; medicinal plants; exotic plants; cultivated plants; patchouli
• Online Access: https://revistas.reduc.edu.cu/index.php/agrisost/article/view/e2931

Context: The presence in Cuba of taxons of Pogostemon Desf. (Lamiaceae), a native genus from Africa, Asia, and Australia, whose previous recorded information was not accurate. Objectives: To report on relocation of a species of this genus, define its nomenclature, contribute with data for identification, and provide arguments of its usefulness. Methods: Study of herbarium specimens, field exploration, sample comparisons with descriptions, analytical keys, and samples incorporated to scientific collections. Results: The presence of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (Lamiaceae) was confirmed in the provinces of Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Holguín, and Guantánamo, Cuba. This is a promising species for the medical-pharmaceutical industry, and the areas of perfumes and cosmetics. Conclusions: Out of the 34 infra-generic Lamiaceae representatives known to be of exotic origin in the Cuban archipelago, 25 have been unable to naturalize.