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 Sergio Hernández Rodríguez
Every year, Planta! celebrates the World Environment Day with a festival that gathers hundreds of Cubans, specially kids. This event is known as “Del Monte” Festival. It’s a hands-on learning experience, filled with science.
Phyllanthus subcarnosus is a tree species from Cuba and Hispaniola that has been reported growing in mangroves, serpentine areas and calcareous regions. In the past, this tree has been collected in at least 20 localities in Cuba according to herbaria records.
Riparian forests are very beneficial to their ecosystems. They provide refuge to many species of animals and prevent soil erosion and water pollution.
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.
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.
by Eldis R. Bécquer
Miconia baracoana is an exclusive species of the Cuban flora. It was last seen more than 35 years ago but in Piedra La Vela, a secluded place of our island, everything is possible…
Harpalyce macrocarpa (sangre de doncella) is one of the few tree species occurring in the serpentine thickets of Central Cuba. It relies on the humidity that the running water of nearby streams provides to thrive in the dry serpentine ecosystems.
by Duniel Barrios
In the past, the jíjira (Leptocereus wrightii) was common in Cojímar and El Vedado in Havana. Then it was thought Extinct, displaced by livestock and urbanization. Today is the only Cuban cactus that could truly claim the name “El Habanero”.
by José Angel García-Beltrán
Named after Dr. Atila Borhidi, a Hungarian botanist who devoted many years to the study of the Cuban flora, Coccothrinax borhidiana needs our help to secure its survival.
