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

On Genus Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne (Araceae) in Cuba

Context: The presence in several Cuban cities of Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne (Araceae), which has been poorly and unelaborately published in the scientific literature, encouraged researchers to conduct a systematic, phytogeographic, and ethnobotanical study of this plant. Aim: To unveil the nomenclature, taxonomy, phenotypical characterization, differences from akin taxons, distribution, and usefulness of specimens of Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne, currently cultivated in Cuba outside scientific collections.  Methods: Specimens kept in gardens of the city of Camagüey were studied using methods such as collection work, descriptor and key comparisons, and scientific description and illustration.  Results: The presence in Cuba of genus Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne was confirmed, proving that it is related to other three species: A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson, A. konjac K. Koch, and A. titanum (Becc.) Becc. ex Arcang. The determination of the nomenclature was determined more accurately; the genus and other two species were described. Besides, the analytical key was adjusted to contrast the different Araceae genuses present in the country; another key was presented to contrast the two species described. Aspects related to their usefulness (corroborated or potential) were discussed from different perspectives: food and medicinal properties, and as a nutritional enhacer of soil. Conclusions: Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne, denoted at least as A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson and A. konjac K. Koch, given their frequent cultivation as ornamental plants in Cuba, which from now on must be included in the specialized catalogs and publications related to the flora of the country. The potentialities for sustainable management of species were identified

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

Expansion of Ludwigia helminthorrhiza (Onagraceae) in Cuba

The introduction of Ludwigia helminthorrhiza (Mart.) H.Hara (Onagraceae) into Cuba, by an unknown route, as well as its successful naturalization and sustained increase in its area of occupation for over 40 years is here confirmed. The importance of the quantity and quality of its diasporas for dispersal and establishment in new territories is discussed, as well as the effectiveness of the dispersal agents. The negative impacts (difficulties in the management of aquariums, sedimentation, blocking of light entry, reduction of oxygen exchange, and displacement of native species) and the positive impacts (food for fauna and bacteria housing that reduce pollution) of the introduction of this species were identified. An alert is issued regarding the possible expansion of this species to new freshwater reservoirs in the country.The introduction of Ludwigia helminthorrhiza (Mart.) H.Hara (Onagraceae) into Cuba, by an unknown route, as well as its successful naturalization and sustained increase in its area of occupation for over 40 years is here confirmed. The importance of the quantity and quality of its diasporas for dispersal and establishment in new territories is discussed, as well as the effectiveness of the dispersal agents. The negative impacts (difficulties in the management of aquariums, sedimentation, blocking of light entry, reduction of oxygen exchange, and displacement of native species) and the positive impacts (food for fauna and bacteria housing that reduce pollution) of the introduction of this species were identified. An alert is issued regarding the possible expansion of this species to new freshwater reservoirs in the country

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

Enfoque ambiental del desarrollo del pensamiento geográfico desde la obra martiana / Environmental approach to geographic thinking development from the perspective of José Marti’s texts

El artículo que se presenta muestra uno de los resultados parciales del proyecto “Sistematización de la teoría y práctica para una didáctica del desarrollo del pensamiento geográfico en la formación del personal docente del área de Ciencias Naturales”.  Se presenta un estudio que persigue determinar las potencialidades que ofrece la obra martiana, para el desarrollo de un pensamiento geográfico con enfoque ambiental en los estudiantes de secundaria básica, a partir de los contenidos de la Geografía que se imparte en octavo grado. Se parte de una valoración de la importancia del pensamiento geográfico para la sociedad contemporánea y de la presencia de esta concepción en los escritos y acciones de la vida de José Martí. Se precisan aquellos contenidos y objetivos de la Geografía de octavo grado, que permiten la vinculación del trabajo con la obra martiana al desarrollo del pensamiento geográfico y algunas de las obras martianas que pueden emplearse para tal fin. ABSTRACT The article presents findings of the research the project "Systematization of the theory and practice for a didactics of geographical thinking in natural sciences teacher currently running at the Faculty of Sciences. The study is intended to highlight the potentials of José Marti's text for environmentally focused geographical thinking junior high school students. It starts by assessing the importance of geographical thinking for contemporary society and the presence of this conception in the writings and the life of José Martí, Eighth grade Geography objectives and content suitable for José Marti's studies are identified. Likewise, a selection of texts is suggested