Genus Pogostemon (Lamiaceae) in Cuba

Resumen

Context: The presence in Cuba of taxons of Pogostemon Desf. (Lamiaceae), a native genus from Africa, Asia, and Australia, whose previous recorded information was not accurate.

Objectives: To report on relocation of a species of this genus, define its nomenclature, contribute with data for identification, and provide arguments of its usefulness.

Methods: Study of herbarium specimens, field exploration, sample comparisons with descriptions, analytical keys, and samples incorporated to scientific collections.

Results: The presence of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (Lamiaceae) was confirmed in the provinces of Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Holguín, and Guantánamo, Cuba. This is a promising species for the medical-pharmaceutical industry, and the areas of perfumes and cosmetics.

Conclusions: Out of the 34 infra-generic Lamiaceae representatives known to be of exotic origin in the Cuban archipelago, 25 have been unable to naturalize.