Cycad Literature Database

Cycads are represented in Cuba by the endemic genus Microcycas (Miq.) A. DC., with only one species, Microcycas calocoma (Miq.) A. DC., and the genus Zamia L. with seven species: Zamia amblyphyllidia D.W. Stev., Z. angustifolia Jacq., Z. integrifolia L.f., Z. pumila L., Z. ottonis Miq., Z. pygmaea Sims, and Z. stricta Miq., the last three being endemic. In this paper we present the creation of a scientifically documented collection in which threatened germplasm of Microcycas calocoma, Z. amblyphyllidia, Z. integrifolia, Z. ottonis, and Z. pygmaea is conserved under ex situ conditions. Seeds, whole individuals, and rhizome fragments were collected from 14 localities, most of them from western Cuba. The germplasm was cultivated under shade-house conditions with filtered natural light and good aeration. To develop field gene banks, individuals were planted in three open-air zones of the National Botanic Garden of Cuba. The individuals were distributed randomly in an adequate substrate, and the feasibility for future monitoring was considered. As a result, collections of 156 individuals of M. calocoma, 26 of Z. amblyphyllidia, 177 of Z. integrifolia, 40 of Z. ottonis, and 35 of Z. pygmaea were established. The collections of Z. amblyphyllidia, Z. integrifolia, and Z. ottonis were established as field gene banks in the “Mogotes,” “Manigua Costera,” and “Serpentina” zones of the National Botanic Garden. The relevance of the collection and its efficacy for the conservation of the species are discussed.