The genus Plinia (Myrtaceae) in Cuba

Abstract

Fifteen species of Plinia have been previously recognized as occurring in Cuba, all of them endemic. Field and herbarium studies have resulted in their present reappraisal, based on morphological features. Two species, P. rubrinervis Urb. and P. rupestris Ekman & Urb., are transferred to Myrciaria as a single species, M. rupestris (Ekman & Urb.) Z. Acosta, comb. nov. One species, P. acunae Borhidi & O. Muñiz, is transferred to Eugenia as E. borhidiana Z. Acosta, nom. nov. One species is described as new: P. bissei Z. Acosta & Urquiola, sp. nov. Thus the number of Cuban species assigned to the genus Plinia is reduced to 13: five restricted to W Cuba, seven restricted to E Cuba, and one in both C and E Cuba. Morphological descriptions of the genus and its Cuban species, with a dichotomous identification key, are presented, together with data on phenology, distribution and ecology. The conservation status for each species (where data were available) has been assessed according to IUCN categories and criteria. © 2014 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem.