Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Araceae), an African Species Cultivated in Cuba

Context: The presence of a non-identified taxon, which has the general characteristics of family Araceae, in cultivation found in Camagüey province, calls for the need to specify some of its taxonomical and cultural aspects. Aim: to reveal the nomenclature, taxonomical position, and taxon description, as well as its singularities and corroborated and potential usefulness within family Araceae are discussed. Methods: Specimens observed in Camagüey city gardens were studied, using botanical methods of research, such as collecting, catalogue and key use, and description and scientific illustrations. Results: The nomenclature of the plant was determined, the taxon was described, and an analytical key was suggested for contrasting this species from the other Cuban araceae. Aspects related to its corroborated usefulness for air purification, and its potential significance in medicine and nutrition, were discussed. Conclusions: Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) Engl., will hereupon be considered in catalogs and specialized publications on Cuban flora. The potential of Z. zamiifolia, for improvements of air quality, and the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of the plant, offer an interesting perspective for further management of this phytogenetic resource, which deserves to be studied in the Cuban context

Dioon spinulosum (Zamiaceae), a Notable Exotic Tree in Camagüey

The identity of a tree cultivated in the city of Camagüey for ornamental purposes was revealed. The tree had become popular due to the inexistence of similar specimens in other gardens of the country. The utilization of botanical methods, like collection management, the use of catalogs and keys, and scientific description and illustrations, facilitated its identification as Dioon spinulosum Dyer & Eichler. (Zamiaceae), a taxon only recorded in Cuba for scientific collections.  The species was described and a key was set up to differentiate the plant to another specimen that belongs to the genus observed on the island, and to determine the possible age of the plant was assessed

La dimensión ambiental de la obra martiana en la formación de profesores de ciencias / Martí’s environmental dimension in the sciences teacher’s training

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar elementos conceptuales que sustentan la idea de una dimensión ambiental martiana en la formación de docentes de ciencias para la enseñanza media y media superior. Se valoran rasgos que identifican a dicha dimensión y justifican su presencia en el currículo de la universidad pedagógica. Para cumplir esta tarea se emplean métodos teóricos y empíricos. Se ejemplifica, a partir de la coincidencia entre la definición medio ambiente, los temas de la obra martiana, los principios conceptuales básicos del desarrollo sostenible y el enfoque medioambiental implícito en su obra.It’s offered an analysis of conceptual elements that support the idea of an environmental dimension in José Marti’s works in the sciences teacher’s formation for junior high schools and senior high schools. Some characteristics that identify this dimension are analyzed, which justifies its presence in the curriculum of the pedagogical university. To perform this task theoretical and empirical methods were used. It is exemplified the coincidence between the definition of environment, the topics of the works written by José Marti, the theoretical bases that support the sustainable development and the environmental approach implicit in his works

Dioon spinulosum (Zamiaceae): notorio árbol exótico en Camagüey

The identity of a tree cultivated in the city of Camagüey for ornamental purposes is revealed, which has reached certain notoriety for not knowing similar specimens in other gardens of the country. The use of botanical methods such as work with collections, the use of catalogs and keys, the description and scientific illustration, allowed to identify it as Dioon spinulosum Dyer & Eichler. (Zamiaceae), a taxon only registered previously for Cuba as part of scientific collections. A description of the species is made, a key is presented to differentiate it from the other belonging to the genus that is present on the island and the possible age of the plant is valued.Se devela la identidad de un árbol cultivado en la ciudad de Camagüey con fines ornamentales, que ha alcanzado determinada notoriedad por no conocerse especímenes semejantes en otros jardines del país. La utilización de métodos propios de la botánica como el trabajo con colecciones, el uso de catálogos y claves, la descripción e ilustración científica, permitió identificarlo como Dioon spinulosum Dyer & Eichler. (Zamiaceae), taxón solo registrado anteriormente para Cuba formando parte de colecciones científicas.  Se realiza una descripción de la especie, se presenta una clave para diferenciarla de la otra perteneciente al género que está presente en la isla y se valora la posible edad de la planta. &nbsp

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Araceae), especie africana cultivada en Cuba

Context: The presence of a non-identified taxon, which has the general characteristics of family Araceae, in cultivation found in Camagüey province, calls for the need to specify some of its taxonomical and cultural aspects. Aim: to reveal the nomenclature, taxonomical position, and taxon description, as well as its singularities and corroborated and potential usefulness within family Araceae are discussed. Methods: Specimens observed in Camagüey city gardens were studied, using botanical methods of research, such as collecting, catalogue and key use, and description and scientific illustrations. Results: The nomenclature of the plant was determined, the taxon was described, and an analytical key was suggested for contrasting this species from the other Cuban araceae. Aspects related to its corroborated usefulness for air purification, and its potential significance in medicine and nutrition, were discussed. Conclusions: Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) Engl., will hereupon be considered in catalogs and specialized publications on Cuban flora. The potential of Z. zamiifolia, for improvements of air quality, and the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of the plant, offer an interesting perspective for further management of this phytogenetic resource, which deserves to be studied in the Cuban context.Contexto: La presencia de un taxón no identificado, que responde a las características generales de la familia Araceae, en condiciones de cultivo en la provincia Camagüey, genera la necesidad de precisar aspectos taxonómicos y culturales en torno a este. Objetivo: revelar la nomenclatura, posición taxonómica y descripción del taxón, a la vez que se discuten sus principales singularidades dentro de la familia Araceae, así como su utilidad, tanto comprobada como potencial. Métodos: Especímenes representados en los jardines de la ciudad de Camagüey fueron estudiados mediante la utilización de métodos de investigación propios de la botánica, como el trabajo con colecciones, el uso de catálogos y claves, así como la descripción e ilustración científica. Resultados: Se establecen precisiones sobre la nomenclatura, se describe el taxón, a la vez que se propone una clave analítica para diferenciarlo del resto de las aráceas cubanas. Se discuten aspectos relacionados con su comprobada utilidad para la purificación del aire, así como su potencial importancia medicinal y nutricional. Conclusiones: Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) Engl., deberá ser considerada en lo adelante, en los catálogos y publicaciones especializadas sobre la flora cubana. El potencial de Z. zamiifolia, para el mejoramiento de la calidad del aire y por sus efectos antioxidantes y citotóxicos, ofrecen una perspectiva interesante para la futura gestión de este recurso fitogenético y merecen su estudio en el contexto cubano

Sobre el género Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne(Araceae) en Cuba

Background: The presence in different Cuban cities of plants of Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne (Araceae), of whose cultivation in the country succinct and little explicit evidence was found in the scientific literature, motivated a study from a systematic, phytogeographic and ethnobotanical point of view. Objective: To reveal the nomenclature, taxonomy, phenotypic characterization, differences with related taxa, distribution and utility of the representatives of Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne currently cultivated in Cuba, outside botanical collections. Methods: Specimens represented in the gardens of the city of Camagüey were studied using methods such as work with collections, comparison with descriptors and keys, as well as scientific description and illustration. Results:The presence in Cuba of the genus Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne is confirmed, of which the presence of three species is commented: A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson, A. konjac K. Koch and A. titanum (Becc.) Becc. ex Arcang. Clarifications on the nomenclature are established, the genus and two of the species are described, while the analytical key is updated to differentiate the genera of Araceae present in the country and another is offered to differentiate the two described species. Aspects related to its usefulness, proven or potential, are discussed from the foodand medicinal perspective and for the nutritional enrichment of the soil. Conclusions: Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne, denoted by A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson and A. konjac K. Koch, given its frequent ornamental cultivation in Cuba, must henceforth be included in catalogs and specialized publications dedicated to the flora of the country. Potentialities for a sustainable management of the species are identified.Contexto: La presencia en distintas ciudades cubanas de plantas de Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne (Araceae), de cuyo cultivo en el país se encontraron escasas y poco explícitas evidencias en la literatura científica, motivó un estudio desde el punto de vista sistemático, fitogeográfico y etnobotánico. Objetivo: Develar la nomenclatura, taxonomía, caracterización fenotípica, diferencias con taxones afines, distribución y utilidad de los representantes de Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne cultivados actualmente en Cuba, fuera de colecciones científicas. Métodos: Especímenes mantenidos en jardines de la ciudad de Camagüey fueron estudiados mediante la utilización de métodos como el trabajo con colecciones, la comparación con descriptores y claves, así como la descripción e ilustración científica. Resultados: Se confirma la presencia en Cuba del género Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne, del cual se relaciona la presencia de tres especies: A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson, A. konjac K. Koch y A. titanum (Becc.) Becc. ex Arcang. Se establecen precisiones sobre la nomenclatura, se describen el género y dos de las especies, a la vez que se actualiza la clave analítica para diferenciar los géneros de Araceae presentes en el país y se ofrece otra para diferenciar las dos especies descritas. Se discuten aspectos relacionados con su utilidad (comprobada o potencial), desde la perspectiva alimentaria, medicinal y para el enriquecimiento nutricional del suelo. Conclusiones: Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne, denotado al menos por A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson y A. konjac K. Koch, dado su frecuente cultivo ornamental en Cuba, ha de ser en lo adelante incluido en los catálogos y publicaciones especializadas dedicadas a la flora del país. Se identifican potencialidades para una gestión sostenible de las especies

Remarks on the Presence of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thoms (Annonaceae) in Cuba

Context: The presence of Annonaceae plants in the Hotel Guantanamo (Guantanamo), which do not belong to any of the species of this family recorded in the preliminary inventory of Cuban vascular plants encouraged researchers to study their identity, origin, and properties. Aim: To unveil the identity of the species, through a detailed study of its presence and record in Cuba, provide an analytical key to contrast it from the other akin taxa, and compile associated elements with the main properties that characterize it, including its practical use. Methods: Botanical methods were used in the study, such as working with collections, comparison of descriptions, and keys in specific catalogs, along with the scientific description and illustration. The adjacent population was surveyed to establish the use given to the plant. Results: The presence of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thoms in Cuba was confirmed. The taxon was described and illustrated, and an analytical key was established to contrast the species from the other representatives of this genus in Cuba. A few remarks were made on the usefulness of the plant for gardening and medicine. Conclusions: C. odorata must be included in the catalogs and specialized papers on the Cuban flora. Its usefulness for gardening and traditional medicine, and its antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties must be taken into account by the Cuban economic botany

Dioon spinulosum (Zamiaceae), a Notable Exotic Tree in Camagüey

The identity of a tree cultivated in the city of Camagüey for ornamental purposes was revealed. The tree had become popular due to the inexistence of similar specimens in other gardens of the country. The utilization of botanical methods, like collection management, the use of catalogs and keys, and scientific description and illustrations, facilitated its identification as Dioon spinulosum Dyer & Eichler. (Zamiaceae), a taxon only recorded in Cuba for scientific collections. The species was described and a key was set up to differentiate the plant to another specimen that belongs to the genus observed on the island, and to determine the possible age of the plant was assessed

Acercamiento al carácter ecosófico del pensamiento de José Martí / Approach to the ecosophical character of the José Martí’s thought

El trabajo se inscribe en los fundamentos teóricos de la tesis doctoral del autor principal. Se analizan algunos textos de José Martí que aluden a la naturaleza y su influencia recíproca con las sociedades humanas; para luego contextualizar sus ideas en el marco de las bases de la Ecosofía. Como resultado se regularizan una serie de elementos que caracterizan la perspectiva martiana de tales relaciones y algunos juicios del Apóstol que se corresponden con las ideas medulares del pensamiento ecosófico, lo que permite establecer a esta dimensión del pensamiento martiano entre los antecedentes epistémicos del saber contemporáneo en cuestión. This work it include in the theoretical bases of the main author's doctoral thesis. An analytical reading of José Martí´s texts addressing the issue of nature and it reciprocal influences with the human societies was completed, to then it contextualized these ideas in the context of the foundations of Ecosophy. As a result are regularized a series of elements that characterize the Marti´s perspective of such relationships and the correspondence of some of the Apostle's trials with the medullary ideas of the ecosophic thought. All this makes it possible to identify Martí’s thinking into the epistemological antecedents of ecosophic knowledge

Martí y Emerson como antecedentes del pensamiento ecosófico / Martí and Emerson like antecedents of the ecosophic thinking

El artículo presenta uno de los resultados parciales del proyecto “Profundización de los fundamentos epistemológicos de la educación ambiental”. Se realiza una lectura analítica y comparativa entre algunos textos de José Martí en los que aborda el tema de la naturaleza y fragmentos de la obra de Ralph Waldo Emerson, en la búsqueda de criterios comunes entre ambos pensadores para luego contextualizar estas ideas en el marco de las bases de la ecosofía. Se regularizan una serie de elementos que permiten identificar al pensamiento naturalista de Emerson, a la cosmovisión de la naturaleza de José Martí y a la visión de ambos sobre las relaciones sociedadnaturaleza entre los antecedentes epistemológicos de este nuevo saber emergente. ABSTRACTThe article describes one of the findings of the research project "Epistemological foundations of environmental education". An analytical and comparative reading of José Martí texts addressing the issue of nature together with excerpts of the work of Ralph Waldo Emerson was completed to find out common criteria between the two thinkers and then contextualize these ideas in the context of the foundations of Ecosophy. It was possible to identify Emerson’s thinking about natures, the worldwide view of José Martí, and the vision of both thinkers on the relation natural-society as epistemological referents of ecosophic knowledge