Many Cuban endemic trees are threatened to some extent. This project aims to assess the conservation status and distribution of ten species of Cuban trees: Abarema maestrense, Aralia rex, Juniperus saxicola, Magnolia cristalensis, Magnolia cubensis subsp. acunae, Magnolia cubensis subsp. cubensis, Magnolia minor, Magnolia orbiculata, Podocarpus angustifolius and Tabebuia sauvallei. The sites for our study are the Guamuhaya mountain range in Central Cuba, and the mountains of Sierra Maestra and Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa in Eastern Cuba.
Researches currently conducted on these species cover topics that will directly contribute to their conservation, such as the elaboration of seed germination protocols and asexual propagation manuals, the evaluation of the genetic diversity of the population and the identification of appropriate areas for reintroduction. So far, 2877 individuals of the studied species have been monitored. The nurseries created by the project have produced 1511 seedlings, from which 331 have been planted in their natural or semi-natural habitat.
Moreover, the team have organized workshops with over 30 technicians from protected areas and members of the local community. The goals for 2019 are to reinforce the populations with the plants produced last year and to create nurseries that will support the reinforcement of natural populations in the long term.
by Majela Hernández Rodríguez
The magnolia conservation project that started in Topes de Collantes ten years ago is aiming to protect other magnolia species in the mountains of Eastern Cuba.
by Ernesto Testé
A project of Planta! brings hope for several species of rare trees of Central Cuba. Ernesto tells us all about the reintroduction of two valuable species of trees in this part of the Island. Piño, the best seed collector we know, was a key person in this story.
by Luis Roberto González Torres
Ten years after unveiling the mystery of Magnolia cubensis subsp. acunae, a team of Planta! assess the outcomes of this conservation project and sets ambitious goals, like preserving the forest where it grows this legendary tree of Topes de Collantes.
