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Re-finding and conservation status of the threatened fern Maxonia apiifolia
(Dryopteridaceae) in Southern Havana wetland, Cuba
Re-localización y estado de conservación del helecho amenazado
Maxonia apiifolia (Dryopteridaceae) en el humedal sur de La Habana, Cuba
Diana Rodríguez-Cala*, Ramona Oviedo Prieto, Julio C. Álvarez Montes de Oca and Bertha Lidia Toscano
Key words: conservation status, Cuban ferns, endangered species, phorophyte species, swamp forest
Palabras clave: bosque de ciénaga, especie amenazada, especies forófito, estado de conservación, helechos de Cuba
Recibido: 25/04/2018 Aceptado: 05/10/2018
║ARTÍCULO DE INVESTIGACIÓN║
Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
www.revistas.geotech.cu/index.php/abc
A S RAC
The re-finding and conservation status of the endangered
fern Maxonia apiifolia in Southern Havana are reported.
We estimated the extent of occurrence of M. apiifolia
by GPS marking. We registered the number of mature
individuals, their reproductive status and phorophyte
species. Maxonia apiifolia was found in two swamp
forest fragments located in La Luisa, Melena del Sur
(Mayabeque), named Embarcadero and Los Patos.
Together these areas represent 4.30 km2 for the species'
extent of occurrence, comprising a single location and a
single subpopulation distributed between the two forest
fragments. We counted a number of 64 mature individuals
(23% with fertile fronds) of M. apiifolia. Roystonea regia,
Callophyllum antillanum and Calyptronoma occidentalis
were the most frequent phorophytes. La Luisa constitutes
a significant site for M. apiifolia conservation, because it
contains one of the biggest subpopulations compared with
the ones recently found. Its abundance, high number of
mature individuals observed and estimated and its
generalist condition in terms of phorophyte preference
suggest that this subpopulation has a good conservation
status.
R SU N
Se reportó la re-localización y estado de conservación del
helecho amenazado Maxonia apiifolia en el sur de La
Habana. Se estimó la extensión de presencia de la
especie a través del marcaje con GPS. Se registró el
número de individuos maduros, su estado reproductivo y
la especie forófito. Maxonia apiifolia fue encontrada en
dos fragmentos de bosque de ciénaga localizados en
el poblado La Luisa, Melena del Sur (Mayabeque)
nombrados Embarcadero y Los Patos. Ambas áreas
representan 4.30 km² para la extensión de presencia de la
especie, y constituyen una sola localidad y una sola
subpoblación distribuida entre los dos fragmentos
de bosque. Se contaron 64 individuos maduros de
M. apiifolia (23% con frondes fértiles). Roystonea regia,
Callophyllum antillanum y Calyptronoma occidentalis
fueron las especies de forófitos más frecuentes. La Luisa
constituye un sitio importante para la conservación de
M. apiifolia, porque contiene una de las subpoblaciones
más grandes hasta ahora reportadas. Su abundancia, alto
número de individuos maduros observados y su condición
de generalista en cuanto a la preferencia de forófito,
sugieren que esta subpoblación tiene un buen estado de
conservación.
* Autor para correspondencia: dianarodriguezcala@gmail.com
Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática, Ministerio de Ciencia,
Tecnología y Medio Ambiente, Carretera Varona 11835
e/ Oriente y Lindero, Calabazar, Boyeros, La Habana 19,
C.P. 11900. La Habana, Cuba.
INTRODUCTION
Maxonia apiifolia (Sw.) C. Chr. is a hemiepiphyte fern
native from Cuba and Jamaica. Its reproductive cycle and
life traits are still unknown. As many ferns, it requires high
levels of humidity and shade. In Cuba, this fern is typical
of swamp forests (Sánchez and Regalado, 2015).
Although the range of its distribution covered several
localities from Western and Central Cuba, it has not been
re-found since the 20th century in most of these localities.
Therefore, it was considered as Critically Endangered in
2005 (Berazaín et al., 2005) and possibly extinct in Cuba
in 2007 (Sánchez, 2007).
228
During 2008 and 2012, M. apiifolia was found in two
protected areas: Santo Tomás, Ciénaga de Zapata,
Matanzas (Sánchez and García-Lahera, 2013) and in
Real Campiña, Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus (García-Lahera
et al., 2013a). Even so, this species was considered as
one of the 50 most threatened plant species in Cuba,
because of the drastic decrease in its extent of occurrence
and area of occupancy, mainly due to habitat destruction
(Sánchez and García-Lahera, 2013). In 2013, it was found
in the gallery forest of San Juan de Dios farm in
Camajuaní, Villa Clara (collector A. Orozco, herbarium
number 10715 ULV) (I. Castañeda and R. A. Pérez, pers.
comun.). In 2015, three new localities were reported for
this species in Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus: Arroyo Los
Chícharos (near the limits of “Jobo Rosado” Protected
Area), Río Bamburanao and Río La Media Legua (Falcón
et al., 2016). All these findings increase the original
distribution range of M. apiifolia because they constitute
new localities but, until now, there has been no
re-localization in areas where this species used to occur.
Therefore, M. apiifolia is still considered a threatened
species, categorized by Sánchez and Regalado (2015) as
Endangered.
The earliest report of M. apiifolia in Southern Havana was
by Ekman in 1920 (GBIF, 2018a). Then Brother León
made another two reports in 1928 and 1930 (GBIF,
2018b, c). These findings were in Batabanó (Mayabeque,
Southern Havana), where the species has not been
sighted again. This work aims to document the
re-localization and conservation status of M. apiifolia in
Southern Havana. We estimated the number of individuals
in the region, the area of occupancy and the extent of
occurrence, evaluated the habitat preference and
characterized the habitat where the species occurs.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Species
Maxonia apiifolia is a climber terrestrial fern (Fig. 1A). The
climbing rhizome is thick and woody with a dense cover of
ferruginous scales (Fig. 1B). Fronds (Fig.1C) are
dimorphic and not articulated to the rhizome. Fertile fronds
are smaller, skeletal (Fig. 1D), 4-pinnate with tissue
reduced to wings on both sides of the axes of the last
divisions. Sometimes the sterile fronds have one or more
fertile pinnae (Sánchez and García-Lahera, 2013). This
fern is typical of swamp and gallery forests where it is
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Figure 1. Maxonia apiifolia. A, habitat and habit. B, rhizome. C, infertile frond. D, fertile frond.
Figura 1. Maxonia apiifolia. A, hábitat y hábito. B, rizoma. C, fronde estéril. D, fronde fértil.
229
shaded and the humidity is high (García-Lahera, 2013a,
2016).
Methods
A search for M. apiifolia was carried out in several swamp
forest fragments that cover the Southern region of
Artemisa and Mayabeque between April 2016 and June
2018. Sites where M. apiifolia was found were marked
with GPS (Garmin GPSMAP® 62st) to estimate its extent
of occurrence in the region, following IUCN guidelines
(IUCN, 2001). In addition, we identified the potential
threats for M. apiifolia wherever it was found. One witness
sample of the M. apiifolia was collected and deposited in
the Cuban National Herbarium (HAC) with the number SV
43205. Using the tool “Random points” in QGis 2.18 “Las
Palmas”, we selected two sites (named EM1 and EM2)
in the biggest forest fragment where M. apiifolia
was found (Fig. 2). The number of climbing rhizomes of
M. apiifolia and the phorophyte species were recorded
in those sites, to estimate the population size. The
percentage cover of the fern within three plots of 80 m2
(2 x 40 m) in each site, was calculated, in order to
estimate the total area of occupancy by the rule of
proportion and previously knowing the area of the forest
fragment. Each climbing rhizome was considered a
mature individual according to Falcón et al. (2016)
because those rhizomes produce the fertile fronds. We
considered individuals to be distinct when a separation
between rhizomes was noticeable and they were climbing
different trunks. This helped us to diminish the risk of
overestimating the number of mature individuals, due to
the clonal growth of this fern, which makes individual
identification very difficult. Nevertheless, a high level of
this risk is assumed.
For IUCN categorization purpose, we defined location as
a geographically or ecologically distinct area in which a
single threatening event can rapidly affect all individuals
of the taxon present (IUCN, 2001). Therefore, the
size of the location depends on the area covered by the
threatening event and may include part of one or many
subpopulations. We followed Regalado et al. (2015)
criterion that Cuban ferns have a single population
in the archipelago, composed by a given number of
subpopulations. Subpopulation was defined following
IUCN (2001) criterion as well: geographically or otherwise
distinct groups in the population between which there is
little demographic or genetic exchange (typically one
successful migrant individual or gamete per year or less).
In addition, the plant diversity of these sites was
characterized by a check-list using our skills in rapid plant
identification together with the collection of plant material
for the posterior identification in the herbarium. The
taxonomy of the identified species was updated following
Greuter and Rankin (2017). In order to make the checklist
more complete, for each species we added the
IUCN categories (González-Torres et al., 2016), the
biogeographical status and invasiveness (Oviedo and
González-Oliva, 2015; González-Torres et al., 2016;
Greuter and Rankin, 2017), the forest fragment where it
was found, the biological type classified as tree, shrub,
herb, vine and epiphyte (García-Beltrán et al., 2017) and
the common name (Roig, 2014) (Appendix 1). Moreover,
we recorded the understory species abundance in six
plots of 80 m2 (2 x 40 m) evenly divided between EM1 and
EM2. Plots inside each site were randomly distributed.
This survey was conducted in Embarcadero because it
was the biggest forest fragment (1.89 km2). The measure
used for estimating abundance was direct counting in the
case of tree saplings, and percentage of covered area in
the case of clonal species and very abundant and small
herbs and/or tree seedlings. In order to rank the species
abundance, these measures were standardized dividing
them by the total area of the plots and converting the
densities to percentage. Though the focus was the
understory species, we also recorded the dominant
species at canopy level.
RESULTS
In total, 19 locations were visited. Of them, six in Melena
del Sur:
1. Campechal (22.70681,-82.17761)
2. La Teresa (22.71158,-82.10967)
3. Los Patos (22.71044,-82.14836)
4. Embarcadero (22.70531,-82.12953)
Four in Alquízar:
5. Arca de Noé (22.72252,-82.62352)
6. La Aurora (22.728,-82.59208)
7. Ojo de agua de Guanímar (22.72269,-82.64077)
8. Playa Guanímar (22.68679,-82.65507)
Six in Güira de Melena:
9. Finca San Miguel (22.72161,-82.47831)
10. Finca Los Cabrera (22.71758,-82.45678)
11. Finca Santa Ana (22.71646,-82.45891)
12. Herradura de Peñalver (22.7279,-82.53407)
13. Ojo de agua de Gavilán (22.72377,-82.50522)
14. Barnet (22.73033,-82.55778)
One in Quivicán:
15. Finca Piedra-Medeiros (22.72283,-82.42699)
Two in Batabanó:
16. Golfo de Batabanó (22.69555,-82.31139)
17. Camacho (22.71511,-82.36813)
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
230
One in Nueva Paz:
18. Punta del Inglés (22.71117,-81.72136)
One in Artemisa:
19. Playa Majana (22.69709,-82.7725).
Maxonia apiifolia was only found in Embarcadero and Los
Patos (Fig. 2). These patches are located in a town
named La Luisa (Melena del Sur, Mayabeque). These
areas represent 4.30 km2 for the species' extent of
occurrence in the region, constituting a single location and
a single subpopulation.
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Figure 2. Current distribution of Maxonia apiifolia in La Luisa, Melena del Sur, Mayabeque, Cuba.
Figura 2. Distribución actual de Maxonia apiifolia en La Luisa, Melena del Sur, Mayabeque, Cuba.
We found potential threats to M. apiifolia in the
surroundings of both forest fragments: livestock and
agriculture in Los Patos and agriculture in Embarcadero.
In addition, both fragments are being used and managed
by the Regional Forestry Company, which might be
another threat. Tourism in Mayabeque beach can also
constitute a potential threat. This fern occupied almost
20% of the sampled area, which was extrapolated to
0.37 km2 as the total area of occupancy. In total, 64
climbing rhizomes (mature individuals) were counted in
Embarcadero at both sample sites, of which 23% had
fertile fronds. We observed climbing rhizomes on living
trunks as well as dead trunks and stumps. Roystonea
regia (Kunth) O.F. Cook, Calophyllum antillanum Britton
and Calyptronoma occidentalis (Sw.) H.E. Moore were the
most frequent phorophytes. Nevertheless, we found some
differences between sample sites. In EM1, 34 climbing
rhizomes were counted, of which 38% had fertile fronds.
From the seven phorophyte species identified, R. regia
was the most frequent, followed by C. antillanum and
Terminalia catappa L. (Table 1). In EM2 we counted 30
climbing rhizomes, of which only two had fertile fronds.
In that case, eight phorophyte species were identified.
Calyptronoma occidentalis and Calophyllum antillanum
were the most frequent, followed by R. regia and Ficus
maxima Mill. (Table 1).
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
231
We identified 98 plant species for both areas (89 in
Embarcadero and 56 in Los Patos) (Appendix 1).
Approximately 50% of the plant species found in both
forest fragments are either Less Concern (LC) or have
been not yet evaluated (NE) in Cuba according to IUCN
criteria. Only one threatened species was identified:
Crinum oliganthum Urb.
We recorded 24 understory plant species in EM1, of which
22 are native species and typical of Cuban swamp forests.
Only two exotic and invasive species were found:
T. catappa and Oeceoclades maculata (Lindl.) Lindl.
Trees were the dominant growth form comprising 50% of
the total of species. The canopy was dominated by the
invader T. catappa, followed by the typical trees
C. antillanum, R. regia and Talipariti elatum (Sw.) Fryxell.
The understory was dominated by trees as well, with
C. antillanum saplings, followed by T. catappa seedlings
and saplings, R. regia seedlings and T. elatum seedlings
(Fig. 3A). In EM2, 21 plant species were recorded, of
which 19 are native and typical of Cuban swamp forests.
Trees were predominant, being 48% of the total of species
found. In this case, the same invasive species were found:
T. catappa and O. maculata. The canopy was dominated
by Calophyllum antillanum, Calyptronoma occidentalis,
F. maxima and R. regia. The understory was dominated
by W allenia laurifolia (Jacq.) Sw. and C. antillanum
saplings, followed by the fern Acrostichum aureum L.,
F. maxima seedlings, the vine Cissus trifoliata (L.) L. and
the herb C. oliganthum. In addition, C. occidentalis,
T. elatum and Amphitecna latifolia (Mill.) A.H. Gentry
seedlings were relatively abundant (Fig. 3B).
DISCUSSION
Maxonia apiifolia re-finding in Melena del Sur increases
by one this species’ current subpopulation number,
bringing the number of known sites or subpopulations
of this fern in Cuba (García-Lahera et al., 2013a, b;
Sánchez and Regalado, 2015; Falcón et al., 2016; I.
Castañeda, comun. pers.) to seven. In addition, it enlar-
ges its current distribution range to seven localities and
consequently, its extent of occurrence. This finding opens
the way to search for this species at the historical
localities, and therefore, to evaluate again its conservation
status in Cuba according to IUCN criteria. Regalado et al.
(2015) state that in general, ferns are a poorly studied
plant group and not taken into account when plant
inventories are conducted in Cuba. Consequently, some
fern species such as M. apiifolia had been considered as
possibly extinct (Sánchez, 2007).
We consider that both fragments belong to the same
location for the species and shelter only one
subpopulation, according to IUCN (2001) criteria. In fact,
both fragments constituted a single unit in the past and
are currently threatened by the same activities. The
genetic exchange between fragments should be enough
to consider a single subpopulation if we consider the high
dispersal capacity of ferns, whose spores are capable of
traveling hundreds of kilometers (Wolf et al., 2001).
The minimal number of 64 climbing rhizomes in
Embarcadero forest suggests that La Luisa shelters the
second biggest subpopulation compared to the ones
recently found by García-Lahera et al. (2013b) and Falcón
et al. (2016). The subpopulation in Real Campiña
(Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus) is so far the biggest with 74
rhizomes in 100 m2 (García-Lahera et al., 2013b). Taking
into account the high density of M. apiifolia in the forest
understory, we think that there might be many more than
the number reported in this manuscript (64) in less than
5 km2. The relatively low number of climbing rhizomes
with fertile fronds could be related to two non-self-
excluding phenomena: 1) we sampled in the first half of
the wet season in Cuba when this species is perhaps
starting or finishing its reproductive period, and 2) this fern
simply produces fertile fronds asynchronously. These
assumptions, as well as the method for mature individual
counting, should be verified. Detailed research about
M. apiifolia’s life cycle must be carried out in order to
adequately define a mature individual and identify its
phenological features for conservation purposes.
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Table 1. Total number of climbing rhizomes by
phorophyte species per sample site (EM1 and EM2) in
Embarcadero, La Luisa, Mayabeque, Cuba. In
parenthesis, the number of rizhomes with fertile fronds out
of the number by site and phorophyte species.
Tabla 1. Número total de rizomas por especie forófito y
sitio de muestreo (EM1 y EM2) en Embarcadero, La
Luisa, Mayabeque, Cuba. En paréntesis el número de
rizomas fértiles del número de rizomas trepadores por
sitio y especie.
Phorophyte species EM1 EM2 Total
Calophyllum antillanum
Terminalia catappa
Roystonea regia
Cojoba arborea
Talipariti elatum
Tabernaemontana sp.
Calyptronoma occidentalis
Ficus maxima
Tabebuia sp.
Amphitecna latifolia
Wallenia laurifolia
8 (3)
5 (2)
14 (5)
1 (1)
4 (1)
1 (1)
1
0
0
0
0
7
0
5
0
1
0
9
4 (2)
1
2
1
15
5
19
1
5
1
10
4
1
2
1
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
232
Maxonia apiifolia seems not to have a preference for a
particular phorophyte species. Probably, this fern is a
generalist species that takes advantage of the relative
abundance of tree species in each site. In fact, like in
Embarcadero, Falcón et al. (2016) showed that this fern
makes use of the available space on invasive trees where
they are dominant. In Embarcadero, M. apiifolia was found
climbing on T. catappa where this tree was highly
abundant, whereas Falcón et al. (2016) stated that this
fern was found climbing the invasive tree Syzygium
jambos (L.) Alston in Arroyo Los Chícharos and Río La
Media Legua. Likewise, it is noticeable how the
differences between sample sites in Embarcadero in
regard to phorophyte species correspond with the
presence/absence and relative abundance of common
trees in this swamp forest fragment.
On the other hand, the number of phorophyte species
found in Embarcadero forest was higher than the number
reported by Falcón et al. (2016). Comparing our study to
the report of Falcón et al. (2016), only S. jambos was not
found as a phorophyte in our case, probably because it is
not present in La Luisa. Roystonea regia, Calyptronoma
occidentalis, and Calophyllum antillanum are common
phorophyte species for all the analyzed locations. This is
probably because they are very common trees in swamp
and gallery forests all over Cuba.
The analysis of species composition and abundance in the
sampled sites shows that T. catappa is transforming
certain parts whereas in other it is almost absent. This
species was highly abundant at all forest strata in EM1,
the sample site nearest to the ancient Mayabeque river’s
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Figure 3. Plant species densit y in the understory of Embarcadero forest, La Luisa, Mayabeque, Cuba. A, EM1. B,
EM2. Aa: Acrostichum aureum, Ac: Allophylus cominia, Al: Amphitecna latifolia, Bs: Bursera simaruba, Ca: Calophyllun
antillanum, Car: Cojoba arborea, Co: Crinum oliganthum, Cocc: Calyptronoma occidentalis, Cp: Cecropia peltata, Ct:
Cissus trifoliata, Fm: Ficus maxima, Gc: Guettarda combsii, Gg: Guarea guidonia, Ll: Hippobroma longiflora, Mu:
Mucuna urens, Om: Oeceoclades maculata, Pa: Pisonia aculeata, Pc: Philodendron consanguineum, Pl: Philodendron
lacerum, Rr: Roystonea regia, Tasp.: Tabernaemontana sp., Tc: Terminalia catappa, Te: Talipariti elatum, Th: Trichilia
havanensis, Tsp.: Tectaria sp., Vm: Vanilla mexicana, Vp: Vanilla phaeantha, Vt: Vitis tiliifolia, Wl: Wallenia laurifolia.
Figura 3. Densidad de especies vegetales en el sotobosque del Embarcadero, La Luisa, Mayabeque. A, EM1. B, EM2.
Aa: Acrostichum aureum, Ac: Allophylus cominia, Al: Amphitecna latifolia, Bs: Bursera simaruba, Ca: Calophyllum
antillanum, Car: Cojoba arborea, Co: Crinum oliganthum, Cocc: Calyptronoma occidentalis, Cp: Cecropia peltata, Ct:
Cissus trifoliata, Fm: Ficus maxima, Gc: Guettarda combsii, Gg: Guarea guidonia, Ll: Laurentia longiflora, Mu: Mucuna
urens, Om: Oeceoclades maculata, Pa: Pisonia aculeata, Pc: Philodendron consanguineum, Pl: Philodendron lacerum,
Rr: Roystonea regia, Tasp.: Tabernaemontana sp., Tc: Terminalia catappa, Te: Talipariti elatum, Th: Trichilia
havanensis, Tsp.: Tectaria sp., Vm: Vanilla mexicana, Vp: Vanilla phaeantha, Vt: Vitis tiliifolia, Wl: Wallenia laurifolia.
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
233
bed and hence, the most accessible zone for people
and floating propagules such as the T. catappa’s nut.
However, in EM2 we only found a T. catappa seedling.
Maybe this is related to the fact that EM2 is less
accessible and further away to the riverbank. In general,
this entire forest fragment belongs to the Forestry
Company and they once introduced T. catappa in the
region for wood production. Now, this species covers a
large extent all over the Southern Havana wetland.
Nonetheless, we found typical native species at different
stages: from seedlings to adults at both sample sites. In
particular, EM2 is a highlight because there we found
higher native tree diversity in both the overstory and
understory. This suggests that this forest retains its
original attributes and resilience to some extent.
Furthermore, it can act as a source of propagules for other
degraded areas.
In general, the species found in these two forest
fragments agree with the definition of swamp forest given
by Capote and Berazaín (1984). Moreover, this forest is
highly similar to those where M. apiifolia was found
recently (García-Lahera et al., 2013a; Falcón et al., 2016).
In contrast, there is no livestock that could threaten
M. apiifolia population in this swamp forest in Embarcade-
ro, as it was reported by García-Lahera et al. (2013a) and
Falcón et al. (2016) for the recent new localities. However,
the agriculture and forestry that have been developed in
the surroundings of Embarcadero could threaten
M. apiifolia and in general, biodiversity conservation, as
it has been suggested by Falcón et al. (2016) in Río
Bamburanao and Río La Media Legua. On the other hand,
in Los Patos, where this fern was also found, livestock,
agriculture and forestry development are current threats to
the forest including M. apiifolia. In addition, tourism in
Mayabeque beach may threaten the conservation of this
entire ecosystem, due to the increasing and accelerated
demand for many resources such as water.
To sum up, the past deforestation for agriculture, the
current and future effects of climate change such as
increased drought, the inappropriate management of
swamps (forestry, intensive farming, fires, etc.), and the
inadequate management and use of water sources, have
had and will have a negative impact on the structure and
dynamics of these swamp forest fragments (information
gathered during the execution of the project “Manglar
Vivo”). Nevertheless, the actions that are taking place in
the region by the project “Reduction of the vulnerability to
coastal flooding through ecosystem-based adaptation in
the Southern Artemisa and Mayabeque” (“Manglar Vivo”),
whose main goal is to recover the resilience of this
wetland, could mitigate the effects of these threats.
CONCLUSIONS
La Luisa, Melena del Sur, constitutes a significant site for
M. apiifolia conservation because one of its biggest
subpopulations is found there. In addition, the fact that this
fern is dominant in the understory of the swamp forest
fragments in La Luisa, together with its condition of
generalist in terms of phorophyte preference, could
suggest that this subpopulation has a good conservation
status. Nevertheless, detailed work that estimates
subpopulation size again and studies reproductive
features is needed to obtain more accurate conclusions
about M. apiifolia in the region. Though M. apiifolia has
more than five known sites today, it is not enough to
change the current IUCN category and criteria (EN B2ab
(ii, iii, iv)) because its area of occupancy still weigh less
than 500 km2 and eight historical locations remain without
a current report of presence. Consequently, M. apiifolia
conservation is still a priority for Cuban conservation
practitioners. This subpopulation is not included in the
Cuban System of Protected Areas and is threatened by
several activities such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism
that can increase the habitat degradation and lastly, the
habitat loss. However, this habitat is being monitored and
managed to restore and protect the Southern Havana
wetland. A periodical assessment must be carried out in
order to evaluate the effects of these actions on
M. apiifolia subpopulation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work was done with the financial support of the
project “Manglar Vivo”, sponsored by the United Nations
Development Program and the Cuban Government. The
authors thank the work team who accompanied them
during the field work: Leda Menéndez, José Manuel
Guzmán, Yadián de la Rosa, Sonia Vega, Eduardo
Furrazola and Yamir Torres from the Institute of Ecology
and Systematics, and Yaneli Peña Guerra, Mabel and
Valle from the Institute for Agriculture and Forestry
Research. The authors would like to give special thanks to
Luis David Almeida for conducting the remote sensing and
giving advice for the mapping, and to the workers of the
Forestry Company in Melena del Sur, especially to
Walberto Díaz for his knowledge and help. Moreover,
authors thank Lisbet González Oliva for giving us impulse
to write this manuscript, Ledis Regalado Gabancho for the
rapid, valuable and meticulous revision of this manuscript
and Ricardo Jaramillo, who gently agreed to read this
paper. Special thanks to Dr. Sarah J. Woodin, who kindly
agreed to review the manuscript and made improvements
to its English. Finally, authors appreciate the thorough
comments given by the anonymous reviewers. Their
comments and criticisms undoubtedly helped to improve
this manuscript.
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
234
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Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Appendix 1. List of plant species observed in Embarcadero (E) and Los Patos (LP), La Luisa, Mayabeque, Cuba. The
IUCN categories mentioned below are: Less Concern (LC), Deficient Data (DD), Near Threatened (NT), and Endangered
(EN). NE means “not evaluated”.
Anexo 1. Lista de especies de plantas observadas en Embarcadero (E) y Los Patos (LP), La Luisa, Mayabeque, Cuba.
Categorías de la UICN mencionadas: Preocupación Menor (LC), Datos Deficientes (DD), Casi Amenazada (NT), y En
Peligro (EN). NE significa “no evaluada”.
Species Family
Biogeographical
status and
invasiveness
Biological
type
IUCN
category
Common
name E LP
Abarema glaucum (Urb.) Barneby & J. W.
Grimes
Fabaceae native tree VU abey,
argelino
x x
Acoelorrhaphe wrightii (Griseb. & H. Wendl.) H.
Wendl. ex Becc.
Arecacae native tree LC guano
prieto
x x
Acrostichum aureum L. Pteridaceae native herb NE palmita de
río
x
Acrostichum danaeifolium (Fée) C.Presl Pteridaceae native herb NE penquita x x
Allophylus cominia (L.) Sw. Sapindaceae native tree NE palo caja x x
Amphitecna latifolia (Mill.) A.H. Gentry Bignoniaceae native tree LC magüira x x
Andira inermis (W. Wright) DC. Fabaceae native tree NE yaba x
Annona glabra L. Annonaceae shrub NE bagá x
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Scrophulariaceae native herb NE verdolaga
de costa
x
Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex H.L. Wendl. Poaceae alien invasive tree - bambú x
Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. Burseraceae native tree NE almácigo x x
Calophyllum antillanum Britton Calophyllaceae native tree LC ocuje x x
Calyptranthes cf. zuzygium (L.) Sw. Myrtaceae native shrub NE guairajón x
Calyptronoma occidentalis (Sw.) H. E. Moore Arecaceae native tree LC palma
manaca
x x
Campyloneurum phyllitidis (L.) C. Presl Polypodiaceae native epiphyte LC pasa de
negro
x
Casearia guianensis (Aubl.) Urb. Samydaceae native shrub LC jía blanca x
Cecropia peltata L. Cecropiaceae native tree LC yagruma x x
Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc. Rubiaceae native shrub LC bejuco de
verraco
x x
Cissus cf. gossypiifolia Standl. Vitaceae native vine A x x
Cissus cf. obovata Vahl Vitaceae native vine LC bejuco ubí x
Cissus trifoliata (L.) L. Vitaceae native vine LC bejucoubí x
Citharexylum spinosum L. Verbenaceae native tree NE canilla de
venado
x
Coccoloba diversifolia Jacq. Polygonaceae native tree LC uvilla x
Cojoba arborea (L.) Britton & Rose Fabaceae native tree LC moruro rojo x x
Cordia collococca L. Boraginaceae native tree LC ateje común x
Crescentia cujete L. Bignoniaceae native tree NE güira
cimarrona
x x
Crinum oliganthum Urb. Amaryllidiaceae endemic herb EN lirio x x
Cyperus sp. Cyperaceae herb x
Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L.) Taub. Euphorbiaceae native shrub NE péndola x
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
236
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Appendix 1. List of plant species observed in Embarcadero (E) and Los Patos (LP), ...Cont.
Anexo 1. Lista de especies de plantas observadas en Embarcadero (E) y Los Patos (LP), ...Cont.
Species Family
Biogeographical
status and
invasiveness
Biological
type
IUCN
category
Common
name E LP
Eleocharis interstincta (Vahl) Roem. & Schult. Cyperaceae native herb LC junco x
Erythroxylum confusum Britton Erythroxylaceae native shrub LC arabo
colorado
x x
Eugenia axillaris (Sw.) Willd. Myrtaceae native tree LC guairaje x
Ficus maxima Mill. Moraceae native tree LC jagüey x x
Genipa americana L. Rubiaceae native tree LC jagua x
Guarea guidonia (L.) Sleumer Meliaceae native tree LC yamagua x
Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Malvaceae native tree LC guásima x
Guettarda combsii Urb. Rubiaceae native tree LC hueso x x
Heteropterys laurifolia (L.) A. Juss. Malpighiaceae native vine LC bejuco
tortuga
x x
Heterosavia bahamensis (Britton) Phyllantaceae native shrub LC hicaquillo x
Hydrocotile umbellata L. Araliaceae native herb NE galletica x x
Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. Araliaceae native herb DD x
Hymenocallis sp. Amaryllidaceae alien herb x x
Ilex cassine L. Aquifoliaceae native shrub LC yanilla x x
Lasiacis divaricata (L.) Hitchc. Poaceae native herb NE tibisí x x
Lasiacis sp. Poaceae herb x
Laurentia longiflora (L.) Peterm. Campanulaceae native herb NE revienta
caballos
x x
Piper umbellatum L. Piperaceae native herb LC caisimón x
Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau Alismataceae native herb LC malanga de
río
x
Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth ex DC. Fabaceae native tree NT guamá x x
Ludwigia sp. Onagraceae herb x
Maclura tinctoria (L.) D. Don ex Steud. subsp.
tinctoria
Moraceae native tree LC mora del
país
x
Mikania oopetala Urb. & Nied. Asteraceae native vine LC x
Mimosa pigra L. Fabaceae alien invasive shrub - weyler x x
Morinda royoc L. Rubiaceae native shrub piñipiñí x x
Mucuna urens (L.) Medik. Fabaceae native vine NE ojo de buey x x
Nectandra hihua (Ruiz & Pav.) Rohwer Lauraceae native tree LC aguacatillo x
Nephrolepis sp. Lomariopsidaceae herb x x
Neurolaena lobata (L.) R. Br. ex Cass. Asteraceae native herb LC victoriana x x
Nymphaea ampla (Salisb.) DC. Nymphaeaceae native herb LC flor de agua x
Oeceoclades maculata (Lindl.) Lindl. Orchidaceae alien invasive herb - lengua de
vaca
x
Panicum cf. polygonatum Schrad. Poaceae native herb NE cañamazo
cimarrón
x x
Partenocissus cf. quinquefolia (L.) Planch. Vitaceae native vine LC parrita
cimarrona
x x
Passiflora suberosa L. Passifloraceae native vine LC meloncillo x
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
237
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Appendix 1. List of plant species observed in Embarcadero (E) and Los Patos (LP), ...Cont.
Anexo 1. Lista de especies de plantas observadas en Embarcadero (E) y Los Patos (LP), ...Cont.
Species Family
Biogeographical
status and
invasiveness
Biological
type
IUCN
category
Common
name E LP
Pavonia fructicosa (Mill.) Fawc. & Rendle Malvaceae native herb NE guizazo de
tres puyas
x
Pentalinon luteum (L.) B.F. Hansen &
Wunderlin
Apocynaceae native vine NE clavelitos x
Philodendron consanguineum Schott Araceae native epiphyte NE macusey
hembra
x x
Philodendron lacerum (Jacq.) Schott Araceae native epiphyte NE macusey
macho
x x
Piscidia piscipula (L.) Sarg. Fabaceae native tree A guamá
candelón
x
Pisonia aculeata L. Nyctaginaceae native shrub NE zarza, uña
de gato
x x
Pisonia macranthocarpa (Donn. Sm.)
Donn. Sm.
Nyctaginaceae native shrub NE zarza mansa x x
Pistia stratiotes L. Araceae alien invasive herb - lechuga
cimarrona
x
Pluchea carolinensis (Jacq.) G. Don Asteraceae native shrub LC salvia de
playa
x
Psilotum nudum (L.) P. Beauv. Psilotaceae native herb LC x
Roystonea regia (Kunth) O.F. Cook Arecaceae native tree LC palma real x x
Sagittaria lancifolia L. Alismataceae native herb LC flecha de
agua
x x
Salix caroliniana Michx. Salicaceae native shrub NE clavellina x
Salvinia auriculata Aubl. Salviniaceae native herb LC x
Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. Mimosaceae potentially
invasive
tree - algarrobo
del país
x x
Securidaca elliptica Turcz. Polygalaceae endemic vine LC maravedí x
Tabebuia angustata Britton Bignoniaceae native tree LC roble blanco x x
Tabebuia shaferi Britton Bignoniaceae endemic tree LC roble blanco
de montaña
x
Tabernaemontana alba Mill. Apocynaceae native shrub NE lechoso,
huevo de
gallo
x
Tabernaemontana citrifolia L. Apocynaceae native shrub NE pegojo,
huevo de
gallo
x x
Talipariti elatum (Sw.) Fryxell Malvaceae native tree LC majagua x x
Tapura cubensis (Poepp.) Griseb. subsp.
cubensis
Dichapetalaceae endemic tree NE aura x
Tectaria sp. Tectariaceae herb x
Terminalia catappa L. Combretaceae alien invasive tree - almendro de
la India
x x
Thelypteris cf. interrupta (Willd.) K. Iwats. Thelypteridaceae native herb LC x
Thelypteris sp. Thelypteridaceae herb x x
Tournefortia bicolor Sw. Boraginaceae native vine LC nigua x x
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
238
Rodríguez-Cala et al.: Re-finding of Maxonia apiifolia in southern Havana, Cuba
Appendix 1. List of plant species observed in Embarcadero (E) and Los Patos (LP), ...Cont.
Anexo 1. Lista de especies de plantas observadas en Embarcadero (E) y Los Patos (LP), ...Cont.
Species Family
Biogeographical
status and
invasiveness
Biological
type
IUCN
category
Common
name E LP
Trichilia havanensis Jacq. Meliaceae native tree LC siguaraya x x
Trichostigma octandrum (L.) H. Walter Petiveriaceae native vine LC bejuco
canasta
x
Turbina corymbosa (L.) Raf. Convolvulaceae alien invasive vine - aguinaldo x
Vanilla mexicana Mill. Orchidaceae native vine NE vainilla x
Vanilla phaeantha Rchb. f. Orchidaceae native vine DD vainilla x
Varronia bullata subsp. globosa (Jacq.) Greuter
& R. Rankin
Boraginaceae native shrub LC hierba de la
sangre
x
Vitis tiliifolia Humb. & Bonpl. ex Roem. & Schult. Vitaceae native vine LC parra
cimarrona
x x
Wallenia laurifolia (Jacq.) Sw. Primulaceae native tree LC camagua x x
Acta Botánica Cubana, Vol. 217, No. 3, pp. 227-238 / 2018
