Endangred plants on the market in Havana City, Cuba

Endangered <strong>plants</strong> on the market in 

Havana City, Cuba 

Marie Melander 

Arbetsgruppen för Tropisk Ekologi Minor Field Study 127 

Committee of Tropical Ecology ISSN 1653-5634 

Uppsala University, Sweden 

April 2007 Uppsala

Endangered <strong>plants</strong> on the market in 

Havana City, Cuba 

Marie Melander 

Degreeproject in Biology, 2006 

Examensarbete i biologi, 10p, Minor Field Study, 2006 

Biology Education Center, Department of Systematic Botany, Uppsala University 

Supervisor: Lars Björk

Endangered <strong>plants</strong> on the market in Havana City, Cuba 

Abstract 

The sustainable use of natural resources is a worldwide concern. There are 7020 taxa of 

vascular <strong>plants</strong> with an endemicity of 50% in Cuba. Natural disasters in form of almost yearly 

hurricanes and lack of products on the markets leading to a reliance on the local natural 

resources, create a heavy pressure on the Cuban biodiversity. The fieldwork was conducted 

during four months (October 2005 – January 2006) visiting 49 plant vendors, in the 15 

municipals of the Cuban capital. Through free listing, semi-structured and stuctured 

interviews, 420 plant species were found commercialised on the market in Havana City, 

Cuba. Of these, five species are endangered, Garcinia aristata (Griseb.) Borhidi (Clusiaceae), 

Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea (Pinaceae), Copernicia curbeloi León, C. fallaensis 

León and C. x textilis León (Arecaceae). 

Key words: ethnobotany, endangered plant species, Cuba 

Resumen 

Una preocupación a nivel mundial es el uso sostenible de los recursos naturales. En Cuba 

existen 7020 taxones de plantas vasculares y 50% de ellas son endémicas. Desastres naturales 

como huracanes casi anuales y escasez de productos en el mercado, conduce a una 

dependencia de los recursos naturales locales, creando una amenaza severa de la 

biodiversidad cubana. El trabajo de campo se realizó durante cuatro meses (Octubre 2005 – 

Enero 2006) y fueron visitadas 49 vendedores de plantas, en los 15 municipios de la capital de 

Cuba. A través de inventario libre, entrevistas semi-estructuradas y estructuradas, 420 

especies fueron detectadas como plantas comercializadas en el mercado de la Ciudad de La 

Habana, Cuba. De ellas, cinco especies están en peligro de extinción, Garcinia aristata 

(Griseb.) Borhidi (Clusiaceae), Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea (Pinaceae), Copernicia 

curbeloi León, C. fallaensis León y C. x textilis León (Arecaceae). 

Palabras claves: etnobotánica, plantas en peligro de extinción, Cuba 

Acknowledgements: 

Thank you 

Julio I. Martínez Betancourt, National Botanical Garden, University of La Havana, Cuba, for all the precious 

help in the fieldwork in Havana. This project would not have been possible without your help. 

JBN, Jardín Botánico Nacional, The National Botanical Garden in Havana City, for the close collaboration, 

lodging, transportation and help with all possible matters. 

All personnel at the Herbarium Prof. Dr. Johannes Bisse in JBN, for the help with identification of species. 

Sida, The Swedish International Developement Cooperation Agency, for the MFS grant that made this project 

possible. 

The Committee of Tropical Ecology, Uppsala University, Sweden, for the acceptance of my project plan which 

made it possible to recieve the MFS grant from Sida. 

Lars Björk, Hugo de Boer, P-O Melander and Pontus Tulonen for valuble proof-reading and comments on the 

language and contents in the paper. 

Gratefully to all the participating yerberos and collector-providers in and around Havana City for the precious 

collaboration. 

Photo on front page: Garcinia aristata (Clusiaceae), Pinus caribaea var. caribaea 

(Pinaceae) and Copernicia fallaensis (Arecaceae), January 2006, JBN, Havana, Cuba

Contents 


1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….. 7 

1:1 Background………………………………………………………………………………... 7 

1:2 Objective…………………………………………………………………………………... 7 

2. Methods…………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 

2:1 Phase 1. Floristic inventory of the species in the yerberias………………………..……… 8 

2:2 Phase 2. Structured interviews with the plant vendors……......................................…….. 8 

2:3 Phase 3. Visits to collection sites.................................................…………………………. 8 

3. Results……………………………………………………………………………………… 8 

3:1 Results from Phase 1 the floristic inventory of the species in the yerberias…………….... 8 

3:2 Results from Phase 2, the interview schedule and Phase 3, visits to collection sites........... 9 

4. Discussion……………………………………………………………………………..….. 10 

4:1 Excluded species……………………………………………………………………..…... 10 

4:2 Endangered species……………………………………………………………………..... 11 

4:2:1 Manajú, Garcinia aristata (Griseb.) Borhidi (Clusiaceae)…….......………..…… 11 

4:2:2 Pino Macho, Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea (Pinaceae)……….……...…. 11 

4:2:3 Yarey, Copernicia curbeloi León, C. fallaensis León, C. x textilis León 

(Arecaceae)............................................................................................................. 12 

5. Conclusions……………………………………………………………………….……… 12 

6. Recommendations……………………………………………………………………...… 13 

7. References………………………………………………………………………………… 13 

7:1 

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………..……… 13 

7:2 Internet resources …………………………………………………………………...…… 14 

7:3 Personal communications…………………………………………………………..……. 14 

7:4 Yerberos and collectors….……………………………………………………………….. 15 

Appendix 1. Map of Cuba and the municipals of Havana City………………………….. 17 

Appendix 2. Model for structured interview……………………………………………… 18 

Appendix 3. Inventory of the plant species in the yerberias……………………………... 19 

5

1. Introduction 


The sustainable use of natural resources is a worldwide concern, and here Cuba is no 

exception. The island of Cuba, 110 860 sq. km, with tropical climate moderated by trade 

winds (The World Factbook, 2006-04-16) hosts 7020 taxa of vascular <strong>plants</strong> with an 

endemicity of 50% (Berazain et al. 2005). Natural disasters in form of almost yearly 

hurricanes and lack of products on the markets leading to a reliance on the local natural 

resources, create a heavy pressure on the Cuban biodiversity. Only 20 % of the total flora 

have been evaluated in the Red List of Cuban Vascular <strong>plants</strong> (Berazain et al. 2005). The need 

for research on Cuban floral biodiversity and the use of Cuban natural resources and public 

information about endangered <strong>plants</strong> in Cuba is therefore of great importance. 

Since pre-Columbian times there exist records on the knowledge and use of <strong>plants</strong> among 

aboriginal Cubans: in medicine, nutrition, religion and construction (Guanche, 1983). 

Thereafter, with the arrival of Europeans, Africans and Asians to the island the use of <strong>plants</strong> 

diversified. This cultural heritage has survived until our days and has been transferred orally 

from one generation to another (Hammer et al., 1992). One reflection of this traditional 

knowledge is the yerberias, establishments where <strong>plants</strong> and their derivatives are sold, which 

can be found throughout the country. In Havana City there are 50 yerberias, and at least 10 

more according to local collaborators, where the population can find <strong>plants</strong> for medicinal 

and/or ritual use. The following text presents the results of an investigation of the plant 

species of the yerberias in the Cuban capital aiming to detect commercialisation of 

endangered plant species in its biodiversity. 

1:1 Background 

The Cuban botanist Juan Tomas Roig made the largest compilation about the use of <strong>plants</strong>, 

especially medicinal <strong>plants</strong>, in Cuba. He compiled a dictionary about medicinal <strong>plants</strong> and 

their scientific names (Roig, 1928) and a book about medicinal, toxic and aromatic <strong>plants</strong> 

(Roig, 1945) that has been re-edited several times. The books are still widely used. Different 

institutions in the country have done investigations related to medicinal <strong>plants</strong>. In particular, 

the Ministry of Public Health has evaluated the properties of some medicinal <strong>plants</strong> published 

in foliates, Fitomed (Araújo, 1994). These <strong>plants</strong> are cultivated in farms of the Ministry of 

Agriculture, administered in form of crude drug to the “Empresa de Medicamentos” for 

evaluation in the Laboratories of Control and Quality. They are processed into products at the 

Centre of Local Production for distribution to the pharmacies (Tamara Santana, pers. comm.). 

The last 30 years Fuentes (1988), Fuentes & Granda (1988) and Acosta de la Luz (1992), 

among others, have conducted various works related to the theme. Regarding ritual <strong>plants</strong>, the 

first publication in Cuba was the book “El Monte” compiled by Lydia Cabrera (1954) and 

more recently the book “Arboles Sagrados de Cuba” (Martínez & Vasquéz, 2006). There are 

several publications about endangered <strong>plants</strong>, the most recent being the compilations of the 

“Talleres CAMP” I – IV (1998, 2001, 2004, 2005) and the Red List of the Cuban Vascular 

Flora, “La Lista Roja de la Flora Vascular Cubana” (Berazaín Iturralde & col., 2005). 

A previous fieldwork conducted in yerberias in Havana City was made by researchers from 

the Institute of Ecology and Taxonomy, Havana University, Cuba. These investigations were 

directed towards toxic <strong>plants</strong> and aphrodisiacs, in yerberias in one of Havana City’s 

municipals, Habana Vieja (Cándida Martínez Callís, pers. comm.). 

1:2 Objective 

The objective of the project is to detect endangered species of the Cuban flora presently sold 

on the market in Havana City, Cuba, to make an inventory over which plant species are sold 

on the Cuban market and study the multipurpose use of the wild natural resources. 

7

2. Methods 


A fieldwork was conducted during four months (October 2005 – January 2006). Yerberias in 

all the 15 municipalities of Havana City were visited. The project was divided into three 

phases: floristic inventory, structured interviews about endangered <strong>plants</strong> and visits to places 

for collection. 

2:1 Phase 1. Floristic inventory of the species in the yerberias 

In each of the 15 municipalities of Havana City 2 - 6 yerberias were visited (Appendix 1). 

Interviews were conducted with yerberos (plant vendors) of both sexes and varying ages. A 

number of collectors (collecting the wild <strong>plants</strong>) of varying ages were also interviewed. The 

information on the <strong>plants</strong> commercialised was obtained through personal communication with 

the yerberos and collectors; the inventory of plant species was made through free listing and 

semi-structured interviews (Martin, 1995). The popular names of the <strong>plants</strong> from the free 

listing were compared to literature: revised edition of Roig (1988a,b), Bisse (1988), León 

(1946), León and Alain (1951, 1953, 1957), Alain (1964, 1974) and The International Plant 

Names Index (IPNI 2006) for scientific nomenclature. The Latin names were compared to the 

Cuban Red List (Berazaín Iturralde et al., 2005) to find the endangered species being sold. 

2:2 Phase 2. Structured interviews with the plant vendors 

In this next phase, 27 yerberias were selected and visited a second time. The yerberias selling 

more than three of the endangered species and with a minimum of one yerberia per 

municipality were selected. Structured interviews were performed using an interview schedule 

questionnaire (Appendix 2) for the endangered species. Samples of the endangered species 

collected in the National Botanical Garden (JBN) were used as props (parts of the <strong>plants</strong> as 

reference material to ensure the referring of the same species) to be identified by the yerberos. 

Parts of the endangered species sold in the yerberias were collected as herbarium material for 

identification by specialists in the JBN and the Institute of Ecology and Taxonomy (IES), 

Havana University (Cristina Panfet, Pedro Herrera and Ramona Oviedo, pers. comm.). 

2:3 Phase 3. Visits to collection sites 

In company of yerberos/collectors, six collection sites (Appendix 1) were visited to collect the 

endangered species; Bejucal and Quivicán in the Havana Province, Campo Florido (Lomas de 

La Coca), Guanabacoa and Alamar in Havana City and Consolación del Norte (La Palma and 

El Sitio) in the Pinar del Rio Province. The collected herbarium material was identified by 

taxonomists in JBN and IES (Cristina Panfet, Pedro Herrera and Ramona Oviedo, pers. 

comm.). 

3. Results 

Forty-nine yerberias were visited in the 15 municipalities of Havana City (appendix 1); 

Boyeros, La Lisa y Cotorro (2 yerberias), Arroyo Naranjo, Marianao, Playa, 10 de Octubre, 

San Miguel del Padrón, Cerro, Guanabacoa y Regla (3), Plaza y Centro Habana (4), Habana 

del Este (5) and Habana Vieja (6). The semi-structured interviews and free listing were made 

with 61 yerberos (21 women and 40 men), with ages between 29 and 82. The yerberos sell the 

<strong>plants</strong> in their Yerberia and some of them cultivate and collect <strong>plants</strong> as well. Nine male 

collectors were also interviewed, 49–78 years of age. 

3:1 Results from Phase 1: the floristic inventory of the species in the yerberias 

The inventory in the yerberias resulted in 420 species from 324 genera and 105 families 

(Appendix 3). The five most represented families are Fabaceae (20 species), Asteraceae (19), 

8


Euphorbiaceae (18), Lamiaceae (18) and Poaceae (16). The plant parts commercialised are; 

leaves or entire herbs (271 species), sticks in the form of stems, woody veins or branches 

(205), roots (49), seeds (47), fruits (46), flowers (19), cortex (8), raceme axis (1) and 

derivatives: tinctures (8), creams and herb-extracts in fat (4), decoctions (2) and spiritual 

perfume (1). The referred uses in the yerberias are mainly medicinal and ritual. The majority 

of the <strong>plants</strong>, 213 species, have both uses, 182 species have only ritual purposes and 25 

species are only medicinals. Other referred uses are consumable, ornamental, artwork, spice, 

colouring agent, shadower, living fence, musical instrument, timber, oil, beverage, industrial, 

consumable for animals, glue, detergent, fibre, wood, symbol, utensil, biological control, 

roofer and toy. 

3:2 Results from Phase 2: the interview schedule questionnaire and Phase 3: visits to 

sites of collection 

Based on the popular names, 13 of the 420 species in the inventory were found in the Cuban 

Red List (Berazaín Iturralde et al., 2005). The popular names of the species were translated 

into scientific names in Phase 1 according to literature (Roig, 1988a,b, Bisse, 1988, León, 

1946, León and Alain, 1951, 1953, 1957, and Alain, 1964, 1974). The scientific names were 

verified against the International Plant Names Index (IPNI, Oct-Dec 2006). 

Of the 13 species in the 27 selected yerberias, seven species were excluded (Table 1). The 

<strong>plants</strong> sold under the popular names azulejo, chicharrón, güira cimarrona, huevo de gallo, 

palo biajaca, palo santo and sabina, proved to be other species than the ones referred to in 

literature. This was the result of the interview schedule questionnaire in Phase 2, the 

collection of wild species in Phase 3 and personal communication with specialists of the 

Cuban Flora (Faviola Areces and Luis González, pers.comm.) (see further explanation in 

chapter 4:1). These species are not endangered. 

Table 1 Excluded species. These seven <strong>plants</strong> were excluded. For each species is described the popular and 

scientific name, family, plant part used, use and Red List classification. Further, the table shows the region of origin 

for the plant species and in how many yerberias the plant was noted. 

Popular name Scientific name Family Part Use Red List Region (appendix 2) # Y 

azulejo Talauma minor Urb. Magnoliaceae S R EN E Cuba Oriental 

1 

Pithecellobium tortum Mart.* Mimosaceae 

Havana City province 

chicharrón Terminalia eriostachya A.Rich. Combretaceae S R EN E Cuba Occidental 

1 

Vitex multidens Urb. * Lamiaceae 

Santiago de Cuba province 

güira Crescentia mirabilis Ekman ex Bignoniaceae F,S M,R EN E North coast, Cuba Central 26 

cimarrona Urb. 

C. cujete L.* 


huevo de Tabernaemontana apoda Apocynaceae S,H,R M,R CR E Cuba Central 

14 

gallo C.Wright 

T. amblyocarpa Urb. * 

Havana City, Havana and 

Pinar del Rio provinces 

palo biajaca Acacia daemon Ekman & Urb. Mimosaceae S R EN E Matanza province 

1 

Pithecellobium hyptrii Benth. & 

Hook.* 


palo santo Guaiacum sanctum L. Zygophyllaceae S,H M,R EN Whole Cuba 

4 

Senna alata (L.) Roxb. * Caesalpinaceae 


sabina Juniperus lucayana Britton Cupressaceae S R CR Whole Cuba 

3 

? ? 


Part; S: stick, F: fruit, H: herb/leaves, R: root 

Use; M: medicinal, R: ritual 

Red List; CR: Critically endangered, EN; Endangered, VU: Vulnerable, E: Endemic (categories in accordance to the IUCN 

classification, IUCN 2004) 

# Y: number of yerberias where the species is found 

* species sold under the same popular name, not endangered 

9


The remaining five species proved to be endangered (Table 2) as found through the interview 

schedule questionnaire and identification of props by the yerberos. The collections of these 

species were identified and confirmed by specialists of the Cuban Flora (Cristina Panfet, Luis 

González, Angela Leiva and Faviola Areces, pers.comm.). The endangered plant species sold 

are manajú (Garcinia aristata), pino macho (Pinus caribaea var. caribaea) and yarey 

(Copernicia curbeloi, C. fallaensis and C. x textilis). 

Table 2 Endangered species. The five species sold that proved to be endangered, their popular and 

scientific names, family, plant part used, use and Red List classification. Further included is the region of origin 

for the plant species and in how many yerberias the <strong>plants</strong> were found. 

Popular name Scientific name Family Part Use Red List Region (appendix 2) # Y 

manajú Garcinia aristata (Griseb.) Clusiaceae S,H,Re,D M,R EN E Havana City (Lomas de La 17 

(jalajala) Borhidi 

Coca), Pinar del Rio provinces 

pino macho Pinus caribaea Morelet Pinaceae S,H,D M,R VU Havana City, Pinar del Rio 9 

var. caribaea 

provinces 

yarey Copernicia curbeloi León Arecaceae H R VU E Cuba Centro-Oriental 5 

C. fallaensis León 

CR E 

C. x textilis León 

EN E 

Part; S: stick, H: herb/leaves, Re: resin, D: derivative 

Use; M: medicinal, R: ritual 

Red List; CR: Critically endangered, EN; Endangered, VU: Vulnerable, E: Endemic (categories in accordance to the 

IUCN classification, IUCN 2004) 

# Y: number of yerberias where the species is found 

4. Discussion 

The number of plant species sold for ritual use is greater than the number of species sold for 

pure medicinal use, which is confirmed by the yerberos and the inventory. Plants are brought 

from the whole country to be sold in Havana City. The inventory resulted in 420 plant species 

that are commercialised in Havana City. Primarily, 13 species were found in the Cuban Red 

List. Of these, 7 species were excluded. The remaining 5 endangered species are sold on the 

market in the Cuban capital. 

4:1 Excluded species 

The seven species in Table 1 were excluded as a result of the structured interview and the 

collection of species in the wild. In the case of azulejo and chicharrón the props of the 

endangered species were not identified by the yerberos. Species from other families were sold 

under the same popular names. For huevo de gallo, palo biajaca and palo santo the collected 

specimens in the yerberias and in the wild did not correspond to the props of the endangered 

species. Another not endangered species from the same genus was sold as huevo de gallo. 

The species sold as palo biajaca and palo santo were from other families. The material of 

güira cimarrona and sabina from the yerberias did not correspond to herbarium material of 

the endangered species. As for güira cimarrona another not endangered species from the 

same genus was sold. The species sold as sabina was not identified but according to the 

yerberos, it did not correspond to the props of the endangered species. Also, the study of 

distribution according to literature of the endangered species called azulejo, chicharrón, 

güira cimarrona, huevo de gallo and palo biajaca, and the stated places for collection by 

the yerberos of these <strong>plants</strong> did not correspond. None of the species sold under these popular 

names are endangered (Roig 1988a,b, Bisse1988, León 1946, León y Alain1951, 1953, 1957, 

and Alain1964, 1974, Faviola Areces and Luis González, pers.comm.). 

The reason for one plant name representing more than one species can be several e.g. same 

use, similarity, same name for different species of the same genus or tradition-change due to 

10


rarity of original species. Due to these possibilities these species are not included in the study. 

These results are interesting though, pointing out the dynamics in traditional knowledge. 

4:2 Endangered species 

The collections of the five species in Table 2 from the yerberias and the wild were identified 

and classified as the endangered species. One or several of the endangered species were sold 

in 19 of the 27 yerberias visited in Phase 2. Specialists of the Cuban Flora in the JBN, Havana 

City (Cristina Panfet, Luis González, Angela Leiva and Faviola Areces, pers.comm.), also 

confirmed the species. 

4:2:1 Manajú, Garcinia aristata (Griseb.) Borhidi (Clusiaceae) 

Manajú, Garcinia aristata, is endemic to Cuba and is categorised as 

endangered (EN) in the Red List because the area where it is found 

growing is less than 500 sq. km and the populations are severely 

fragmented and continue to diminish (Berazain Iturralde et al., 

2005). Manajú is referred to in 17 yerberias. Plant parts sold are 

sticks, leaves and derivatives: tincture of the resin and decoction of 

the leaves mixed with other <strong>plants</strong>. It is sold for ritual and medicinal 

uses. Ritual uses mentioned by the yerberos are; purification-baths, 

as a repellent for bad things or persons, attract good things or 

persons and as one of “the 21 sticks” in an offering ritual. Medicinal 

uses mentioned by yerberos are to extract 

splinters in the skin, inflammations and 

Fig. 1 The manajú tree 

wounds, to treat asthma, bronchitis, 

catarrh and pneumonia. Manajú is an 

expectorant, antiseptic, astringent, depurative and haemostatic. Roig 

(1988b) who also mentions the use to prevent tetanus, and Cabrera 

(1954) who adds the use as a purgative confirm these uses. 

The collection sites of manajú is Havana City (Lomas de La Coca) 

and Pinar del Rio provinces (Appendix 1). The resin is collected 

through cuts in the bark with a machete. The collections from the 

yerberias and the wild were identified as the endangered species 

G. aristata (Cristina Panfet, pers.comm.). Fig. 2 Manajú leaves and trunk 

4:2:2 Pino Macho, Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea (Pinaceae) 

Pino macho, Pinus caribaea var. caribaea is categorised as 

Vulnerable (VU) in the Red List because the estimated area of 

occupancy is less than 2000 sq. km and the population has become 

severely fragmented (Berazain Iturralde et al., 2005). The Pino 

macho is referred in nine yerberias. Plant parts sold are sticks, 

leaves and derivatives; tincture of leaves and/or resin, for ritual and 

medicinal use. The ritual uses are 

as offerings and purifying baths. 

Medicinal uses given by the 

yerberos are to treat foot and nail 

fungus (fungicide), catarrh, 

wheezing, breathing problems 

Fig. 3 The pine tree 

(expectorant), impotence, sexual 

stimulant (aphrodisiac), tonic, 

circulatory problems, blood- and skin- cleaning (depurative) 

and as an ingredient and aroma component in a Cuban 

11 

Fig. 4 Characteristic long three-grouped 

spines, a cone and tincture of pino macho


herbal drink called pru. There is also a commercial production of pino macho tincture sold in 

the pharmacies. Roig (1988b) reports that the Pino macho has effect against gout, 

rheumatism, eczema, impotence, bronchitis and genital affections and as depurative and an 

aroma component in pru. Cabrera (1954) writes that it is used against paradontitis and to wash 

the hair to stimulate hair-growth. 

The areas of collection are Havana City and Pinar del Rio provinces (Appendix 1). The 

collection are mostly from plantations. The collections from the yerberias and the wild were 

identified as the endangered species P. caribaea var. caribaea (Luis González, pers. comm.). 

Roig mentions that there is some mix-up between P. caribaea and Casuarina equisetifolia L. 

(Casuarinaceae). Three of the interviewees mention casuarina as pino macho (it was clear 

when they were asked to describe the plant). This demonstrates the great need of information 

to the yerberos. This is not a problem from a conservation point of view though, since it does 

not affect the conservation status of the P. caribaea. 

4:2:3 Yarey, Copernicia curbeloi León, C. fallaensis León, C. x textilis León (Arecaceae) 

The yareys, Copernicia curbeloi, C. fallaensis, and C. x textilis are 

endemic to Cuba. They are categorised in the Red List as follows: C. 

curbeloi, Vulnerable (VU), C. fallaensis, Critically Endangered 

(CR) and C. x textilis Endangered (EN). The classifications are 

based on the reduction of populations during the last 10 years: more 

than 30% for C. curbeloi and 80% for C. 

fallaensis, and furthermore because the 

reduction of the area of occupancy, the 

extension of presence and/or quality of 

habitat and the levels of real or potential 

exploitation. The C. x textilis is EN 

Fig. 5 A yarey palm. The 

three species are alike 

because the number of mature individuals 

in each sub-population is less than 250 

(Berazain Iturralde et al., 2005: 8-9). Yarey 

was mentioned in five yerberias. Plant part sold is the leaves, mostly 

in form of hats and straw-mats. These are used for ritual purposes. 

Other uses given are as material for bags, baskets, fans and roofing. 

The area of collection is the region Cental-Oriental (Appendix 1). 

Fig. 6 The leaves are used 

for handicrafts 

According to Angela Leiva (pers. comm.), Dahlgren & Glassman (1963) and SEF (1994), 

these three species mentioned, together with the species C. baileyana, a species not 

endangered, are the most used to make handicraft hats and bags. 

5. Conclusions 

Of the 420 species commercialised in the yerberias in the Cuban capital, five are endangered: 

manajú (Garcinia aristata (Griseb.) Borhidi), pino macho (Pinus caribaea Morelet var. 

caribaea) and yareys (Copernicia curbeloi León, C. fallaensis León, C. x textilis León). The 

endangered <strong>plants</strong> are collected in the wild and in managed areas in the provinces Havana 

City, Havana, Pinar del Rio and in the region Centro-Oriental. The plant parts sold are sticks, 

leaves and derivatives and the uses are medicinal and/or ritual. Plants sold in the yerberias are 

collected in the wild but many are also cultivated by the yerberos themselves or by collectors. 

Manajú is the most frequently sold of the endangered <strong>plants</strong>, with a presence of 70% in the 

yerberias visited in Phase 2 or 39% of the total number of yerberias visited in Havana City. 

12

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 


The leaves and resin is collected from trees in the wild. The way of collecting the resin 

through deep cuts in the bark affects the development of the tree, which reflects the 

unsustainable use of this plant. This makes Garcinia aristata the species of most critical 

concern of the commercialised endangered <strong>plants</strong>. In the case of pino macho, sold in 33% of 

the yerberias of Phase 2 or 18% of the total number of yerberias, the problem is of lower 

concern because the plant parts sold are collected in managed areas, i.e. not from the 

threatened natural population. The endangered species of yarey was mentioned in 22% of the 

yerberias in Phase 2 or 12% of the total number of yerberias. At the moment there is an 

alternative species for manufacturing the handicrafts, the C. baileyana, a species not 

endangered, though, through the unsustainable use, it is possible that in a near future this 

species as well, will be found in the Cuban Red List. 

The conservation status for these endangered species is affected by their commercialisation. It 

is necessary to work with the yerberos and collectors with education for conservation of the 

endangered species, and with strategies for domestication and reintroduction. This study has 

been conducted in Havana City, the capital of Cuba. It is possible that a similar study in other 

cities or in the countryside would give other results. It would be of great interest to extend this 

project to other areas to obtain the full picture of how commercialisation could be a threat to 

endangered Cuban species. 

6. Recommendations 

Contribute to the public knowledge of the endangered species of the Cuban flora 

Work with the yerberos and collectors to form a system of education for conservation of 

the detected endangered species 

Propose a strategy for the domestication and reintroduction of these endangered <strong>plants</strong> in 

natural habitats 

Study the phytochemistry and physical properties of the endangered and related species to 

see if other non threatened species could be introduced as substitutes 

Extend this project to the central and oriental parts of Cuba 

7. References 

7:1 Bibliography 

Acosta de la Luz, L. 1995. Plantas medicinales. Editorial Científico-Técnica, La Havana 

Alain, Hno. 1964. Flora de Cuba 5. Rubiales, Valerianales, Cucurbitales, Campanulales y 

Asterales. Cont. Ocas. Mus. Hist. Nat. Colegio ”De La Salle” 

Alain, Hno.1974. Flora de Cuba. Suplemento. Editorial Instituto del Libro, La Havana 

Araújo, F. 1994. Fitomed. Editorial Ciencias Médicas, La Havana 

Berazaín Iturralde, R., Areces Berazaín, F., Lazcano Lara, J.C. & González Torres, L.R. 

2005. Lista Roja de la Flora Vascular Cubana. Editorial Jardín Botánico Atlántico, Gibón 

Bisse, J. 1988. Árboles de Cuba. Editorial Científico-Técnica, La Havana 

Cabrera, L. 1954. El Monte. Editorial Chichericú, Miami 

Dahlgren, B.E. & Glassman, S.F. 1963. A revision of the genus Copernicia. Editorial 

Gentes Herbarum, New York 

Fuentes, V. 1988. Las plantas medicinales en Cuba. Tesis en opción al grado científico de 

Candidato a Doctor en Ciencias Biológicas, La Havana 

Fuentes, V. & Granda, M. 1988. Plantas medicinales exóticas cultivadas en Cuba. Boletín 

de Reseñas, Plantas Medicinales No. 6 

13

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• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 


Guanche, J. 1983. Procesos etnoculturales de Cuba. Editorial Letras Cubanas, La Havana 

Hammer, K., Esquivel, M. & Knüpffer, H. 1992. ”… y tienen faxones y fabas muy 

diversos de los nuestros…”. Origin, Evolution and Diversity of Cuban Plant Genetic 

Resources. Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung, Germany 

Lazcano Lara, J.C., Peña García, E., del Risco Gonzálea, L., Leiva Sánhez, A.T., Alpizar 

Muños, S. & Matamoros, Y. 2001. Memorias del Segundo Taller para la Conservación, 

Análisis y Manejo planificado de Plantas Silvestres Cubanas. CAMP II. 12-14 Mars 2001 

IUCN/SSC. Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Apple Valley, MN. USA 

Lazcano Lara, L.C., Leiva Sánchez, A.T. & Matamoros Hidalgo, Y. (eds.) 2004. 

Memorias del Tercer Taller para la Conservación, Análisis y Manejo Planificado de 

Plantas Silvestres Cubanas, CAMP III. 16-18 January 2003. IUCN/SSC. Conservation 

Breeding Specialist Group, Apple Valley, MN. USA 

Lazcano Lara, L.C., Berazaín Iturralde, R., Leiva Sánchez, A.T. & Oldfield, S. (eds.) 

2005. Memorias del Primer Taller de Categorización de Àrboles Cubanos. Grupo de 

Especialistas de Plantas de Cuba. Flora y Fauna Internacional. Nacional Botanical Garden, 

La Havana. CAMP IV. 11-13 May 2005 

León, Hno. 1946. Flora de Cuba. 1. Gimnosperma. Monocotiledóneas. Contr. Ocas. Mus. 

Hist. Nat. Colegio ”De La Salle” 8 

León, Hno & Alain, Hno. 1951. Flora de Cuba 2. Dicotiledóneas: Casuarináceas a 

Meliáceas. Contr. Ocas. Mus. Hist. Nat. Colegio ”De La Dalle” 10 

León, Hno & Alain, Hno. 1953. Flora de Cuba. 3. Dicotiledóneas: Malpighiaceae a 

Myrtaceae. Contr. Ocas. Mus. Hist. Nat. Colegio ”De La Salle” 13 

León, Hno & Alain, Hno. 1957. Flora de Cuba. 4. Dicotiledóneas: Melastomataceae a 

Plantaginaceae. Contr. Ocas. Mus. Hist. Nat. Colegio ”De La Salle” 16 

Martin, G.J. 1995. Ethnobotany A Methods Manual. Earthscan, UK 

Martínez, J.I. & Vásquez, M.A. 2006. Árboles Sagrados de Cuba. Editorial Itao. Oaxaca 

Peña García, E., López García, P.I., Lazcano Lara, J., Leiva Sánchez, A.T. & Seal, U.S. 

(eds.). 1998. Memorias del Primer Taller para la Conservación, Analísis y Manejo 

planificado de Plantas Silvestres Cubanas, CAMP I. 13-15 April. IUCN/SSC. 

Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Apple Valley, MN. USA 

Roig, J.T. 1928. Diccionario Botánico de Nombres Vulgares Cubanos. Estación 

Experimental Agronómica de Santiago de las Vegas, La Havana, Boletín No. 22. 

Roig, J.T. 1988a. Diccionario Botánico de Nombres Vulgares Cubanos. Editorial 

Científico-Técnica, La Havana. Third revised edition, third reprint 

Roig, J.T. 1988b. Plantas medicinales, aromáticas o venenosas de Cuba. Editorial 

Científico-Técnica, La Havana. Second revised edition, first reprint 

Servicio Estatal Forestal (SEF). 1994. Ley Forestal, su reglamento y contravenciones. 

Editorial Servigraf, Cuba 

7:2 Internet resources 

• IPNI, International Plant Names Index. 2006. http://www.ipni.org, accessed October- 

December 2006 

• IUCN. 2004. 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, http://www.iucnredlist.org, 

accessed 2006-03-14 

• The World Factbook, Cuba, http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/, accessed 

2006-04-16 

7:3 Personal communications 

• Areces Berazaín, Fabiola. January 2006. Specialist of the Cuban Flora, JBN, Havana 

University, Cuba 

• González Torres, Luis. January 2006. Specialist of the Cuban Flora, JBN, Havana 


14

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• 

• 

• 

• 

• 


Herrera, Pedro. December 2005. Specialist of the Cuban Flora, IES, CITMA, Cuba 

Leiva Sánchez, Angela T. January 2006. Specialist of the Cuban Flora, JBN, Havana 


Martínez Callís, Cándida. November-December 2005. Ethnobotanist, IES, CITMA, Cuba 

Oviedo Prieto, Ramona. December 2005. Specialist of the Cuban Flora, IES, CITMA, 

Cuba 

Panfet Valdés, Cristina. January 2006. Specialist of the Cuban Flora, JBN, Havana 


Santana, Tamara. January 2006. Specialist of Pharmacology, Dispensary responsible, 

Municipio Playa, La Havana City, Cuba 

7:4 Yerberos and collectors 

Yerberos 

• Arsenio Prieto Campo, Municipio Boyeros, Rincón, 18/10-05 

• Bernardo Fundora, M. Boyeros, 19/10-05 

• Jorge Luis, M. Marianao, 26/10-05 

• Maria Caridad Rodriguez, M. Marianao, 26/10-05 

• Reimundo Nicolas Fundora, M. Marianao, 26/10-05 

• Eva Garriga Alfonso and Mayra Romero Quintana, M. La Lisa, 28/10-05 

• Iliana Martinez Perez and husband, M. La Lisa, 28/10-05 

• Edelmira Mora Baez, M. Arroyo Naranjo, 1/11-05 

• Ernesto Brito Pérez, M. Arroyo Naranjo, 1/11-05 

• Bernardo Canera Carrera, M. Arroyo Naranjo, 1/11-05 

• Jorge Acosta Martinez, M. Plaza, Vedado, 3/11-05 

• Osvaldo Falcón, M. Plaza, Vedado, 3/11-05 

• Mario Alche, M. Plaza, Vedado, 3/11-05 

• Gladys Elejarde, M. Plaza, Vedado, 3/11-05 

• José Luis Toledano and Manuel Antonio Hernabdez, M. Playa, 26/10-05 

• Berto Beltrán, M. Playa, 3/11-05 

• Olga Sosa, M. 10 de Octubre, 8/11-05 

• Elsa Febles and Edelsa Baez, M. 10 de Octubre, 8/11-05 

• Emilio Coba and Guillermo Copello, M. San Miguel de Padrón, 15/11-05 

• Maria de los Angeles Ruiz, M. San Miguel de Padrón, 15/11-05 

• Clara Aguilar, M. Cotorro, 15/11-05 

• Lazaro Valdes Pino, M. Cerro, 17/11-05 

• Luis Mendoza, M. Cerro, 17/11-05 

• Marta Torres Peralta, M. Regla, 18/11-05 

• Victor Tamilo Martinez, M. Regla, 18/11-05 

• Ramon Pérez, M. Regla, 18/11-05 

• Arsenio and Alsides Cedeño Batista, M. Guanabacoa, 22/11-05 

• Orlando Máximo Denis Alonso, M. Guanabacoa, 22/11-05 

• Rogelio Pacheco Gutierrez, M. Guanabacoa, 23/11-05 

• Ardelio Herrera González, M. San Miguel del Padron, 23/11-05 

• Marta García Melo, M. Playa, 24/11-05 

• Berta Días Hernández, M. Cerro, 25/11-05 

• Francisco Lázaro Rossell and Amalia Lopez, M. 10 de Octubre, 25/11-05 

• Juan Bautista Pérez (Lucho), M. Centro Habana, 30/11-05 

• Maria Del Carmen Hernández Alvarado,, M.Centro Habana, 30/11-05 

• Francis Jesús Ordoñez Gutierres, M.Centro Habana, 1/12-05 

• Rogelio Morales Lugones, M.Centro Habana, 1/12-05 

• Agustin Travieso Martínez, M. Habana Vieja, 6/12-05 

• Romari Palacio Díaz, M. Habana Vieja, 7/12-05 

15


• Gladys Reynaldo, M. Habana Vieja, 7/12-05 

• Angela Socanás and Caridad Mustelier, M. Habana Vieja, 7/12-05 

• Francisco Enciso, M. Habana Vieja, 8/12-05 

• Francisco Marcos Alvarez and Francisco Marcos, M. Habana Vieja, 8/12-05 

• Eddy Aguilar Acosta, M. Habana del Este, Bahia, 9/12-05 

• Eusebio Erasmo Ojito Sánchez, M. Habana del Este, Bahia, 9/12-05 

• Adalberto Martínez Ramirez (Popo), M. Habana del Este, Bahia, 9/12-05 

• Milagros Escalona, M. Habana del Este, Alamar, 13/12-05 

• Paulina Rondón, M. Habana del Este, Alamar, 13/12-05 

• Valentin Benites, M. Cotorro, 14/1-06 

Collectors 

• Evaristo Rodriguez, Boyeros, 18/10-05 

• Quintin Domingo Esteves, Boyeros, 19/10-05 

• Geltran Pimenter, Marianao, 26/10-05 

• Lazaro Suarez, Marianao, 28/10-05 

• Angel Peregrino Almaguer, La Lisa, 28/10-05 

• Jorge Fidel Bernal, M.10 de Octubre, 8/11-05 

• Orlidio Peguero,, M. Cotorro, 15/11-05 

• Edelmo Broche Concepción, M. San Miguel de Padrón, San Francisco de Paula, 16/11-05 

• Mario González Consuegra, M. Boyeros, 25/11-05 

All photos in the paper by Marie Melander 2005-2006 

16

Appendix 1. Map of Cuba and the municipalities of Havana City 

Provinces of Cuba 

Cuba Occidental 

PR: Pinar del Rio 

C.Hab: Ciudad de La Habana, Havana City 

Hab: Habana 

IJ: Isla de la Juventud, Isle of Juventud 

Mat: Matanza 

Cuba Central 

Cf: Cienfuegos 

VC: Villa Clara 

SS: Santi Spiritus 

CA: Ciego de Avila 

Cam: Camagüey 

LT: Las Tunas 

Cuba Oriental 

Gr: Granma 

Ho: Holguín 

SC: Santiago de Cuba 

Gu: Guantánamo 


17

Appendix 2. Model for structured interviw 


Use of cuban <strong>plants</strong> – interview schedule questionnaire 

Nr. of yerberia/colector: ______________ Date: __________ 

Location:____________________________________________________Municipal:______________ 

Interviewee/s:______________________________________________________________________ 

Information on the vendor 

Name of vendor:___________________________________________ Gender: ♀ / ♂ Age: ___ 

Origin/Born in:_______________________________Education level:__________________________ 

Principal occupation:_____________________ Secondary/posterior occupation:_________________ 

Type of vendor: vendor / colector / cultivator / administrator 

How many years have you been working with <strong>plants</strong>?____how many yerar here?____other places?__ 

How did you learn about the use and the names of <strong>plants</strong>?___________________________________ 

Information on the plant 

Nr. of the colection:_________________ Nr. of the photos: _________________ 

Local name/s: _________________________ ____The vendor / colector identifies the prop yes / no 

Plantpart sold: rot / stem/stick / cortex / leaves / fresh herb / fruit / seed / raceme axis / subproducto __ 

Do you colect / cultivate the plant ______or who bring you the plant?__________________________ 

Origin (region / village) of the plant:_____________________ Type of vegetation: ________________ 

Biological form: tree / bush / herb / palm / vein / other________ 

Description (by yerbero/colector) of the plant: _____________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

The plant colected/ brought: daily/weekly__times/monthly__times/yearly__times/ occasional/ on order 

Volumes colected/ brought: __________________ Years in trade of the plant: _____________ 

Commercialisation: daily/weekly___ times /monthly___ times /yearly___ times / occasional / on order 

Cultivation status: cultivated / managed / wild where?_____________________________________ 

Availability: jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec whole year Abundant / Scarce 

When did it sell more, before or now? (5-10 years): more / same / less 

Why? Less / more available for harvest less / more demand by buyers 

other_____________________________________________________________________________ 

Use:_____________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Properties: ________________________________________________________________________ 

Plant part used:____________________________________________________________________ 

Preparation:_______________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Herbarium information 

Scientific name: __________________________________Botanical family:___________ 

Plant origin: cuban / exotic introduced / exotic imported (from______________________________) 

Preparation: herbarium specimen / ziploc bag / spirit collection Nr of duplicates: _________ 

Distribution: Jardín Botánico Nacional (JBN) / Uppsala University (UU) / Other:_________________ 

18

Appendix 3. Inventory of the plant species in the yerberias 


Family Scientific Name Cuban popular name Part used Use 

Acanthaceae Blechum brownei Juss. mazorquilla (bejuco mazorquilla) H R,M 

Acanthaceae Jacobinia mohintli Benth. & Hook.f. árnica (+ derivative: tintura de arnica) H M,O 

Acanthaceae Justicia pectoralis Jacq. tilo H M 

Acanthaceae Ruellia tuberosa L. salta perico H 

R,M 

Acanthaceae Graptophyllum pictum Griff. justicia (croton 2) S,H R,O 

Agavaceae Agave sp. maguey H 

R,D,F 

Agavaceae Yucca elephantipes Hort. ex Regel bayoneta (peregún) H R,O 

Aizoaceae Sesuvium microphylium Willd. verdolaga de costa (yerba de vidrio) H R 

Aizoaceae Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L. verdolaga de costa (yerba de vidrio) H R 

Alliaceae Allium sativum L. 

ajo H R,M,C 

Aloaceae Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. sábila H R,M,O 

Amaranthaceae Achyranthes aspera L. rabo de gato H 

R,M 

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera polygonoides R.Br. ex Sweet tapon (sanguinaria) H R,M 

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC. espanta muerto 1 (abrojo) H R 

Amaranthaceae Amaranthus sp. bledo colorado H R 

Amaranthaceae Amaranthus spinosus L. 

bledo espinoso H R 

Amaranthaceae Amaranthus viridis L. bledo blanco (bledo) H R,M,C 

Ampelidaceae Vitis vinifera L. bejuco parra (parra) S R,M,S,C 

Anacardiaceae Anacardium occidentale L. marañón Se,S,F R,M,C,LF 

Anacardiaceae Comocladia dentata Jacq. guao (palo diablo, vete lejos 1, huyehuye) S R 

Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica L. mango S,H,F R,M,C 

Anacardiaceae Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi copal H,S M 

Anacardiaceae Spondias mombin L. jobo S,Se,H,R R,M,LF 

Anacardiaceae Spondias purpurea L. ciruela F,H R,M,C,LF 

Annonaceae Annona cherimolia Mill. chirimoya H,F,Se R,M,C 

Annonaceae Annona glabra L. palo bobo (palo bobo de Cuba, bagá, palo blanco) S R 

Annonaceae Annona muricata L. guanabana H,F R,M,C 

Annonaceae Annona squamosa L. anón (anón de ojo) F,H M,R,C 

Annonaceae Xylopia aethiopica A.Rich. pimienta (eru) F,Se R 

Annonaceae Xylopia glabra L. guabico S 

R 

Annonaceae Oxandra lanceolata Baill. yaya S R 

Apiaceae Eryngium foetidum L. 

culantro H M,Sp 

Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare Mill. hinojo H R,M 

Apiaceae Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman perejil H,R R,M,Sp,Ca 

Apocynaceae Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don vicaria Fl M,O,T 

Apocynaceae Nerium oleander L. 

adelfa H R,M,O,T 

Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana amblyocarpa Urb. huevo de gallo S,R,H R,M,U 

Apocynaceae Thevetia peruviana K.Schum. 

cabalonga (cinturita) Se R,M,A,O,T 

19


Araceae Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott malanga H R,M,C 

Araliaceae Polyscias sp. negro guapo S 

R,O 

Arecaceae Acrocomia crispa C.F.Baker ex Becc. corojo (+ derivative: manteca de corojo) Se,F R,M,C,Ol 

Arecaceae Cocos nucifera L. coco (+ derivative: manteca de coco) F,R R,M,A,C,Ol 

Arecaceae Copernicia baileyana León yarey H R,F,A 

Arecaceae Copernicia curbeloi León * yarey * H 

R,F,A 

Arecaceae Copernicia fallaensis León * yarey * H R,F,A 

Arecaceae Copernicia textilis León * yarey * H 

R,F,A 

Arecaceae Elaeis guineensis Jacq. palma de aceite (ikinis, corojo de Güinea) Se R,M,Ol,A 

Arecaceae Roystonea regia O.F. Cook palma real S,R,RA R,M,Ol,A,Ca,Ti,Ro 

Asteraceae Ambrosia hispida Pursh. artemisa H R,M 

Asteraceae Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. 

artemisa H R,M 

Asteraceae Ambrosia peruviana Willd. artemisa alcanforada (artemisilla alcanforada) H R 

Asteraceae Artemisia absinthium L. incienso (+ derivative: tintura de incienso) H R,M,T 

Asteraceae Bidens pilosa L. romerillo H R,M,Ca 

Asteraceae Eclipta alba Hassk. espanta muerto 2 H R 

Asteraceae Eclipta prostrata L. espanta muerto 2 H R 

Asteraceae Eupatorium odoratum L. rompezaragüey (+derivative: spiritual perfume) S,H,R R,M 

Asteraceae Eupatorium villosum Sw. abre camino (+derivative: spiritual perfume) S,H R 

Asteraceae Flaveria trinervia (Spreng.) C.Mohr yerba de la vieja H R,M 

Asteraceae Helenium quadridentatum Labill. anís H M,R 

Asteraceae Helianthus annuus L. 

girasol Fl,Se R,C,Ol,O 

Asteraceae Matricaria recutita L. manzanilla alemana (manzanilla) H M 

Asteraceae Parthenium hysterophorus L. escoba amarga H,R R,M 

Asteraceae Pluchea odorata (L.) Cass. salvia (salvia de playa) H,S R,M 

Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus L. 

cerraja H R,M,C 

Asteraceae Wedelia rugosa Greenm. var. tenuis Greenm. romerillo amarillo H R,M 

Asteraceae Vernonia havanensis DC. rompezaragüey macho (tapa camino, madrina) S R 

Asteraceae Xanthium chinense Mill. guizazo de caballos R R,M 

Bignoniaceae Crescentia cujete L. güira (güira cimarrona, güira criolla + derivative: jarabe de güira) F,H,S R,M,A,MI 

Bignoniaceae Tabebuia angustata Britton roble (roble de yugo, roble blanco) S,H R,Ti 

Bignoniaceae Tabebuia lepidophylla Greenm. roble sabanero (rompe ropa) S R 

Bignoniaceae Tabebuia lepidota Britton roble sabanero (rompe ropa) S R 

Bignoniaceae Tecoma stans Griseb. 

saúco amarillo 

H R,M,O 

Bixaceae Bixa orellana L. bija (achiote) Se R,M,Sp 

Bombacaceae Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. ceiba (iroko) S,R,H R,M,Sy 

Boraginaceae Ehretia tinifolia L. caguairán (quiebra hacha, roble prieto) S R,M,Ti 

Boraginaceae Cordia alba (Jacq.) Roem. & Schult. ateje blanco (uva gomosa, uvita) S,H R,G 

Boraginaceae Cordia collococca L. ateje S R,Ca 

Boraginaceae Cordia gerascanthus L. 

varía S,H,R R,M,Ti 

Boraginaceae Cordia globosa Kunth yerba de la sangre (palo negrito) H,S R,M 

20


Boraginaceae Heliotropium indicum L. 

alacrancillo H,S R,M 

Boraginaceae Tournefortia hirsutissima L. cayaya (cayaya hembra, nigua, mangasaya) S R,M 

Brassicaceae Lepidium virginicum L. 

mastuerzo (sabelección) 

H,R,S R,M 

Brassicaceae Nasturtium officinale R.Br. berro H R,M,C 

Bromeliaceae Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. piña F 

R,M,C,B 

Bromeliaceae Bromelia pinguin L. piña de ratón (maya) F,H R,M,LF 

Bromeliaceae Tillandsia sp. (big varieties) curujey H,R R,M,O 

Bromeliaceae Tillandsia usneoides L. guajaca H R,M,O 

Burseraceae Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch. sasafrás (ponte lejos) S,H R,M,LF 

Burseraceae Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. almácigo S,H,C R,M,Ti,O 

Cactaceae Harrisia eriophora (Pfeiff.) Britton pitaya 1 (fruto amarillo) F R,C,O 

Cactaceae Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose pitaya 2 (fruto rojo) F R,M,Sp,O 

Cactaceae Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck tuna mansa (tuna blanca) T R,M,O,C,LF 

Cactaceae Opuntia dillenii Haw. tuna brava T R,M,O,LF 

Caesalpinaceae Bauhinia cumanensis Kunth bejuco de tortuga (bejuco jicotea, palo cachimba, matrimonio) S R 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia bahamensis Lam. palo Brasil (brasil, brasilete) S,H M,Cl 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. guacalote amarillo Se R,A 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia crista L. guacalote gris (quita maldición 1) Se,H,S R,A 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. guacamaya (framboyan enano, framboyan de jardin) H R,O,T 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia vesicaria L. palo negro (palo de campeche) S R 

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia ligustrina L. sen (sen del país) H R,M 

Caesalpiniaceae Delonix regia (Bojer) Raf. framboyán H,S,F,Se,Fl R,S,O,A,MI 

Caesalpiniaceae Poeppigia procera C.Presl 

tengue S R 

Caesalpiniaceae Senna alata (L.) Roxb. guacamaya francesa (palo santo) H,S R,M,O 

Caesalpiniaceae Senna obtusifolia (L.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby guanina (yerba hedionda) H,R,S R,M 

Caesalpiniaceae Tamarindus indica L. tamarindo R,S,F,H,C R,M,C,B,A 

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia emarginata L. palo hediondo S R 

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia fistula L. cañafistola F,H M,A,O 

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia grandis L. 

cañandonga F M,R,A 

Canellaceae Canella winterana Gaertn. palo malambo (malambo, canela de monte, cúrbana, mata/palo brujo, mayimbe) S,H,R R,M 

Canellaceae Cinnamodendron cubense Urb. 

canela S R,M,Sp 

Caprifoliaceae Sambucus canadensis L. saúco blanco H R,M 

Caricaceae Carica papaya L. fruta bomba H,F R,M,C 

Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia L. casuarina (also sold as pine) S,H,R R,M,S,W 

Cecropiaceae Cecropia schreberiana Miq. 

yagruma (salpafuera) 

H,S R,M 

Celastraceae Cuervea integrifolia (A.Rich.) A.C.Sm. amansaguapo S,H R 

Celastraceae Elaeodendron attenuatum A.Rich. sangre de doncella S R,Ti 

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium ambrosioides L. apasote H M,R,T 

Clusiaceae Calophyllum antillanum Britton 

ocuje S,H R,O,A,Ti 

Clusiaceae Clusia rosea Jacq. copey S R,O,S 

Clusiaceae Garcinia aristata (Griseb.) Borhidi * manajú (jalajala) * (+derivative: decoction of leaves and tincture of resin) S,H R,M 

21


Clusiaceae Mammea americana L. mamey de Santo Domingo Se R,M,C 

Combretaceae Bucida buceras L. júcaro S 

R,M,A 

Combretaceae Bucida spinosa (Northr.) Jenn. júcaro negro S R,M,A 

Combretaceae Conocarpus erectus L. 

yana S R 

Combretaceae Laguncularia racemosa C.F.Gaertn. patabán (mangle bobo) H R 

Combretaceae Quisqualis indica L. espuela de gallo (piscuala) S R,M,C,O,Ty 

Combretaceae Terminalia catappa L. almendra (almendro de la India + derivative: aceite de almendra) H,Se,S,F R,M,S,O 

Commelinaceae Commelina elegans Kunth canutillo (canutillo morado, canutillo azul, canutillo blanco) H R,M 

Commelinaceae Rhoeo spathacea (Sw.) Stearn cordobán H R,M,O 

Commelinaceae Zebrina pendula Schnizl. 

cucaracha H R,M,O 

Connaraceae Rourea glabra Kunth mata negro (bejuco Baracoa) S R 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. boniato H,F R,M,C 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea crassicaulis B.L.Rob. campana gallega (aguinaldo morada, vete de aqui, campanola) H R 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R.Br. boniato de playa H R 

Convolvulaceae Merremia discoidesperma (Donn.Sm.) O'Donell tomate de mar (almorrana) Se R 

Convolvulaceae Merremia tuberosa Rendle bejuco indio (indio trepador) S R,M,B,D 

Convolvulaceae Rivea corymbosa (L.) Hallier f. aguinaldo blanco H R,M 

Costaceae Costus speciosus Sm. caña mexicana (mejicana) S,H R,M,O 

Crassulaceae Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz siempre viva (progiosa, flor de aire) H R,M 

Cucurbitaceae Cucurbita maxima Lam. 

calabaza F,Se,Fl R,M,C 

Cucurbitaceae Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. güiro (güiro amargo) F R,A,MI 

Cucurbitaceae Luffa cylindrica M.Roem. estropajo (friega plato) F R,M,U 

Cucurbitaceae Melothria guadalupensis Cogn. meloncillo (pepino cimarrón) H,F R 

Cucurbitaceae Momordica charantia L. 

cundeamor H R,M,T,Ca 

Cupressaceae Cupressus sp. cipres S,H R,O 

Cupressaceae Juniperus barbadensis var. Lucayana (Britton) R.P.Adams sabina (sabina de costa) S R,O,Ti 

Cyperaceae Cyperus alternifolius L. sacu sacu (paragüita, quitasol chino, palo saco) S,R,H R,M,O 

Dilleniaceae Davilla rugosa Poir. bejuco guara (bejuco guárana, bejuco colorado) S R 

Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea alata L. ñame (ñame blanco) R R,C 

Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea pilosiuscula Bert. ñame volador (palo volador) F,S R 

Dracaenaceae Sansevieria cfr. S. guineensis Willd. lengua de vaca 1 H R,O 

Ebenaceae Diospyros crassinervis (Krug & Urb.) Standl. ebano carbonero (asabache, negrito) S,H R,A 

Ebenaceae Diospyros grisebachii (Hiern) Standl. ebano real S R 

Erythroxylaceae Erythroxylum havanense Jacq. jibá (rompe roca 1) S,R,H,C R,M 

Euphorbiaceae Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum (Lodd.) Muell. Arg. croton (negro bueno) H,S R,O 

Euphorbiaceae Croton glandulosus L. anís cimarrón 

H R,M 

Euphorbiaceae Drypetes alba Poit. palo hueso (hueso) S R 

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia heterophylla L. 

yerba lechosa H R 

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia hirta L. yerba lechera rastrera (yerba de la niña) H R,M 

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia lactea Haw. 

cardón H R,M,LF 

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia milii Desmoul. ex Boiss. corona de Cristo H,Fl R,O 

22


Euphorbiaceae Hippomane mancinella L. manzanillo de costa (manzanillo de monte) H M,T 

Euphorbiaceae Hura crepitans L. salvadera (+derivative: spiritual perfume) H,S,F R,M,A 

Euphorbiaceae Jatropha aethiopica Müll.Arg. chaya (mata diabetes) H M 

Euphorbiaceae Jatropha curcas L. piñón botija H,S R,LF 

Euphorbiaceae Jatropha gossypiifolia L. 

tua túa R,H,S,F R,M 

Euphorbiaceae Jatropha multifida L. nuez vómica cubana (piñón vómico) H R,O 

Euphorbiaceae Manihot esculenta Crantz 

yuca R R,M,C 

Euphorbiaceae Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit. ítamo real H,S R,M,O,T 

Euphorbiaceae Pera bumelifolia Griseb. jiquí S 

R,A 

Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus nobilis Müll.Arg. sangre de doncella S R,Ti 

Euphorbiaceae Ricinus communis L. higuereta (blanca y morada) Se,H,R R,M,A,Ol,O 

Fabaceae Abrus precatorius L. peonía Se,H,R R,A 

Fabaceae Aeschynomene americana L. pega pega (pega pollo) H,S R,M 

Fabaceae Andira cubensis Benth. yaba (tapa vista, palo tapa vista) S,H R 

Fabaceae Arachis hypogaea L. 

maní Se R,M,C,Ol 

Fabaceae Brya ebenus DC. granadillo S R,A 

Fabaceae Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. gandul H,R R,M,C 

Fabaceae Canavalia nitida Piper mate rojo (mate colorado, cayajabo) Se R,M,A,MI 

Fabaceae Canavalia sp. 

cayajabo Se R,M,A 

Fabaceae Centrosema virginianum (L.) Benth. crica de negra H,Fl R 

Fabaceae Dalbergia brownei Schinz bejuco péndola (péndola, pereira) H,S R 

Fabaceae Dalea domingensis DC. ruda cimarrona H R,M 

Fabaceae Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. amor seco H 

R,M 

Fabaceae Erythrina berteroana Urb. piñon de pito (piñon de cerca) H R,LF,Ty 

Fabaceae Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud. piñón florido (piñón amoroso, bien vestido, amor y celo, palo caminante) S,H R,LF,W,S 

Fabaceae Lonchocarpus domingensis DC. guamá S,R,H R,M 

Fabaceae Mucuna pruriens DC. 

pica-pica F R,T 

Fabaceae Mucuna urens (L.) DC. ojo de buey Se R,A 

Fabaceae Pterocarpus osun Craib osun S 

R 

Fabaceae Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng tripa de jutia S R 

Fabaceae Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. añil (+ derivative: tintura de añil) R,H R,M 

Flacourtiaceae Casearia alba A.Rich. jía blanca S R 

Flacourtiaceae Casearia hirsuta Sw. jía (jía brava/amarilla/colorado, raspalengua, trabalengua, pensamiento) S R 

Flacourtiaceae Zuelania guidonia (Sw.) Britton & Millsp. guaguasí S,H R,M 

Geraniaceae Pelargonium graveolens L'Her. geranio de olor (geranio) S,H R,M,O 

Goetzeaceae Espadaea amoena A.Rich. rascabarriga (dominador) S,H R 

Heliconiaceae Heliconia caribaea Lam. espada de Santa Barbara Fl R,O 

Iridaceae Neomarica caerulea (Ker Gawl.) Sprague mano poderosa (mandelamina, mano pilon) H R,M,O 

Lamiaceae Hyptis pectinata Poit. sargazo (sandoval, albahaca gigante) H R 

Lamiaceae Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. sargazo (sandoval, albahaca gigante) H R 

Lamiaceae Mentha arvensis L. menta japonesa H R,M 

23


Lamiaceae Mentha spicata L. yerba buena H R,M,B,Sp 

Lamiaceae Mentha x piperita L. torongil de menta H R,M 

Lamiaceae Ocimum basilicum L. albahaca (albahaca blanca) H R,M,Sp 

Lamiaceae Ocimum anisatum Hort. ex Benth. albahaca anisada H R,M,Sp 

Lamiaceae Ocimum gratissimum L. albahaca de clavo (oregano oriental, palo clavo) H R,M,Sp 

Lamiaceae Ocimum sanctum L. 

albahaca morada 

H R,M 

Lamiaceae Origanum majorana L. mejorana H R,M 

Lamiaceae Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng. oregano francés (oregano guatacón) H M,Sp 

Lamiaceae Rosmarinus officinalis L. romero (+ derivative: tintura de romero) H,S R,M,Sp 

Lamiaceae Teucrium cubense L. 

agrimonia H M,R 

Lamiaceae Thymus vulgaris L. tomillo H R,M,Sp 

Lamiaceae Vitex doniana Sweet vence batalla (ofón) S,H R,O 

Lamiaceae Vitex multidens Urb. chicharrón (from Santiago de Cuba) S R 

Lamiaceae Vitex trifolia L. vencedor (palo vencedor) S,H R,O 

Lamiaceae Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. té de riñón H M 

Lauraceae Nectandra coriacea Griseb. sigua (palo monte) S R 

Lauraceae Ocotea cuneata (Griseb.) M.Gómez canelón S R,M 

Lauraceae Persea americana Mill. 

aguacate S,H,F R,M,C 

Loranthaceae Dendrophthora sp. palo caballero (caballero) S R 

Lythraceae Lagerstroemia indica L. 

astronomía (júpiter) S,H R,O 

Lythraceae Lawsonia inermis L. resedá H R,M 

Malpighiaceae Byrsonima crassifolia Steud. peralejo (cambia/pierde rumbo, peralejos de monte, vete lejos 2, ponte lejos) S R 

Malpighiaceae Byrsonima roigii Urb. peralejo de costa H,S R 

Malpighiaceae Byrsonima spicata A.Rich. ex A.Juss. sangre de doncella S R,Ti 

Malpighiaceae Malpighia martinicensis Jacq. palo bronco (bronco) S R 

Malpighiaceae Stigmaphyllon sagraeanum A.Juss. bejuco San Pedro (bejuco sabanero, sarabanda) S R 

Malvaceae Abelmoschus esculentus Moench quimbombo F R,C 

Malvaceae Abutilon sp. botón de oro H,S,Se R,M,O 

Malvaceae Bastardia viscosa (L.) Kunth yerba de aura (yerba de bruja, escoba de bruja) H R 

Malvaceae Gossypium barbadense L. algodón S,H,Se R,M,I 

Malvaceae Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. mar pacífico H,Fl,S R,M,O,C 

Malvaceae Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. pasiflora (malvavisco) H,Fl M,O 

Malvaceae Malvaviscus sagraeanus A.Rich. pasiflora (malvavisco) H,Fl M,O 

Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia L. malva de cochino H R 

Malvaceae Talipariti elatum (Sw.) Fryxell majagua S,H,F,Fl,C R,M,Ti,O 

Meliaceae Azadirachta indica A.Juss. 

neem (nin) H,F R,M,BC 

Meliaceae Cedrela odorata L. cedro S,H,C R,M,Ti,A 

Meliaceae Guarea guidonia (L.) Sleumer yamagua (yamao) S,H R,M 

Meliaceae Melia azedarach L. paraíso H,Se,S,F R,M,BC 

Meliaceae Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. caoba S R,Ti,S 

Meliaceae Trichilia havanensis Jacq. siguaraya (tumba tumba) S,H,R,C R,M 

24


Meliaceae Trichilia hirta L. cabo de hacha (guabán) S,H R,M,Ti 

Memecylaceae Mouriri valenzuelana A.Rich. torcido (palo torcido, matrimonio) S R 

Mimosaceae Acacia cornigera (L.) Willd. arbol del cuerno S R 

Mimosaceae Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd. aroma amarilla (vira mundo 2) S,H R,M 

Mimosaceae Acacia paniculata Willd. 

tocino S R 

Mimosaceae Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. marabú (arrasa con todo, barre con todo, viramundo, aroma, busca lio) S,H R,W 

Mimosaceae Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb. oreja de Judío S R,S,A 

Mimosaceae Leucaena glauca (Willd.) Benth. aroma blanca H,S R,Ca 

Mimosaceae Lysiloma latisiliqua Benth. 

sabicú S,H R,M,Ti 

Mimosaceae Mimosa pudica L. dormidera H,S R,M 

Mimosaceae Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. tamarindo chino (quita maldición 2, inga dulce, inga habana) H R,O,S 

Mimosaceae Pithecellobium hyptrii Benth. & Hook. f. palo biajaca S R 

Mimosaceae Pithecellobium arboreum (L.) Urb. moruro (moruro rojo) S,Se,H R,M,O 

Mimosaceae Pithecellobium tortum Mart. cocuyo (humo, humo de sabana, palo cenizo, azulejo) S R 

Mimosaceae Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. algarrobo (arbol del silencio, armonía, firmeza, atractivo) S,H,R R,S,Ti 

Mimosaceae Entada scandens (L.) Benth. boja (poja, coracon de Changó) Se R,A 

Mimosaceae Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. algarrobo de olor (músico, algarobillo, guitana, firmeza, atractivo, tengue) S,H R,O 

Moraceae Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg arbol del pan F R,M,C 

Moraceae Chlorophora tinctoria (L.) Gaudich. ex Benth. & Hook.f. fustete S 

R,M 

Moraceae Ficus carica L. higo H R,C 

Moraceae Ficus crassinervia Desf. jagüey macho (yo puedo más que tú, abracamundo, rompe roca 2) S,H,R R,O 

Moraceae Ficus microcarpa L. laurel (laurel de la india, jagüey) S,H R,S,O 

Moraceae Ficus pumila L. yedra (jaguey trepador, hiedra) H R,M,O 

Moraceae Ficus religiosa L. álamo S,H R,M,O 

Moraceae Pseudolmedia spuria Griseb. 

macagua S R 

Moraceae Trophis racemosa (L.) Urb. palo Ramón (ramón de bestia, ramón de caballos) S R 

Moringaceae Moringa oleifera Lam. palo jeringa (palo geringa, paraiso francés, tilo, ben, palo nefritico) S,H,Fl R,M,O 

Musaceae Musa sapientum L. platano indio F R,M,C 

Musaceae Musa sp. cfr.M. x paradisiaca L. 

platano (manzano) F R,M,C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sp. eucalyptus H,S M,Ti,W 

Myrtaceae Eugenia aeruginea DC. comecará (mije) H R,C 

Myrtaceae Eugenia axillaris Willd. guairaje (tate quieto, estate quieto) S,H R 

Myrtaceae Eugenia floribunda Spreng. ex DC. mije S 

R 

Myrtaceae Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. pimienta dulce (pimienta de Jamaica) Se,H R,M,B,Sp 

Myrtaceae Psidium guajava L. 

guayaba S,H,F R,M,C,Ca 

Myrtaceae Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston pomarrosa (desvarate) S R,C 

Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia erecta L. tostón (atipolá) H R 

Nyctaginaceae Boldoa purpurascens Cav. nitro H M 

Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis jalapa L. maravilla (pimienta india) H,Se,R R,M,O 

Nyctaginaceae Pisonia aculeata L. zarza (sal si puedes) S,H R 

Oleaceae Jasminum sambac Hortus Kew. (W. Aiton) diamela (jazmin diamela) 

H,Fl R,O 

25


Oleaceae Jasminum azoricum L. jazmin de oriza (jazmin de las Azores) S,Fl R 

Oleaceae Jasminum officinale L. jazmin de cinco hojas Fl R,M,O 

Oleandraceae Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott helecho espada (helecho macho) H R,O 

Onagraceae Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven espanta muerto amarillo (clavellina) H R 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis violacea L. trebol (vinagrio) S R 

Papaveraceae Argemone mexicana L. 

cardo santo H,Se R,M,Ca 

Passifloraceae Passiflora incarnata L. maracuyá (flor de la pasion) H,F R,M,O,B,C 

Pedaliaceae Sesamum indicum L. 

ajonjoli Se R,M,C 

Phytolaccaceae Trichostigma octandrum (L.) H.Walter guaniquiqui (guaniquí, bejuco de canasta) S R,A 

Phytolaccaceae Petiveria alliacea L. 

anamú H,R R,M 

Phytolaccaceae Rivina humilis L. ojo de raton H R 

Pinaceae Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea * pino macho * (+ derivative: tintura de pino macho) S,R,H,C R,M,Ti,B,A,Ar 

Piperaceae Peperomia pellucida Kunth corazón de hombre (yerba de la plata, pecho de paloma) H R,M 

Piperaceae Piper aduncum L. platanillo de Cuba (canilla de muerto, guayuyo) H,S,R R,M 

Piperaceae Piper auritum Sieber ex Kunth caisimón de anís H,R R,M 

Piperaceae Piper nigrum L. pimienta negra (pimienta china) Se R,Sp 

Plantaginaceae Plantago major L. llantén H R,M,O 

Plumbaginaceae Plumbago capensis Thunb. embeleso S,H R,O 

Poaceae Bambusa vulgaris Nees caña brava R,S,H R,A,O 

Poaceae Anatherum zizanioides Hitchc. & Chase vetiver H,R R,M 

Poaceae Arthrostylidium capillifolium Griseb. tibisí (tibisí grande) S,H R 

Poaceae Arundo donax L. caña de castilla Fl R,A 

Poaceae Panicum maximum Jacq. yerba de Guinea H R,Ca 

Poaceae Coix lacryma-jobi L. santa Juana (Lagrimas de Job) Se R,A 

Poaceae Cymbopogon citratus Stapf caña santa (cañuela santa) H S,M 

Poaceae Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. yerba fina (grama, greña) H R,Ca 

Poaceae Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. pata de gallina H R,Ca 

Poaceae Panicum miliaceum L. millo 1 (blanco) Se R,Ca 

Poaceae Panicum purpurascens Opiz paraná (yerba bruja, yerba paral, yerba de pará, yerba paraná) R,H R,M 

Poaceae Panicum sp. millo 2 (negro) Se R,Ca 

Poaceae Phalaris canariensis L. alpiste Se R,Ca 

Poaceae Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench millo 3 (mas popular) Se R,Ca 

Poaceae Sorghum vulgare Pers. millo 3 (mas popular) Se R,Ca 

Poaceae Zea mays L. 

maíz Se R,M,C,A 

Polygonaceae Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn. coralillo rosado (aguinaldo rosado) H,Fl R,M 

Polygonaceae Coccoloba uvifera L. 

uva caleta 

S,H R,M,C,B 

Polypodiaceae Polypodium aureum L. calaguala H R,M,O 

Polypodiaceae Polypodium polypodioides (L.) Watt doradilla R,H M 

Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea L. verdolaga H R,M,C 

Punicaceae Punica granatum L. 

granada H,F R,M,C 

Rhamnaceae Colubrina ferruginosa Brongn. bijáguara (palo fuego) S R,A 

26


Rhamnaceae Colubrina reclinata Brongn. jayajabico H,S R,M 

Rhamnaceae Gouania polygama Urb. bejuco jaboncillo (bejuco leñatero) S,H M,R,B,D 

Rhamnaceae Krugiodendron ferreum Urb. carey de costa S R 

Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora mangle L. mangle rojo (mangle colorado) S,R,C M,B 

Rosaceae Lauro-ceracus occidentalis M.Roem. 

cuajaní S,H M 

Rosaceae Rosa sp. rosa Fl,S R,O 

Rubiaceae Calycophyllum candidissimum DC. 

dagame (camarón) S R,M,A 

Rubiaceae Casasia clusiifolia Urb. guayaba de costa S R 

Rubiaceae Chiococca alba Hitchc. bejuco de berraco (bejuco verraco, bejuco cochino) S,R R,M 

Rubiaceae Coffea arabica L. café F,S R,M,B 

Rubiaceae Erithalis fruticosa L. cuaba prieta (cuaba negra/roja, justicia, guachinango, cambia pensamiento) S R 

Rubiaceae Genipa americana L. jagua S R 

Rubiaceae Guettarda calyptrata A.Rich. contraguao (tapa vista, guayabillo de costa, tiembla tierra) S R,M 

Rubiaceae Hamelia patens Jacq. ponasi (para mi, ven a mi) S,H,R R,M 

Rubiaceae Morinda citrifolia L. noni (arbol del queso, mora de la india) F,H M 

Rubiaceae Morinda royoc L. palo garañón (garañón, bejuco Congo, bejuco indio 2, levantate, levanta) R,S,H R,M,B 

Rubiaceae Psychotria brownei Spreng. palo moro S 

R 

Rubiaceae Psychotria obovalis A.Rich. palo moro S R 

Rubiaceae Spermacoce tenuior L. 

garro blanco H R,M 

Rutaceae Amyris balsamifera L. cuaba blanca (cuaba, huyehuye) S R 

Rutaceae Amyris elemifera L. cuaba amarilla (cuaba de monte, cambia voz/camino, cambia pensamiento 2) S R 

Rutaceae Citrus aurantifolia Swingle limón (limón criollo) H,F,R,S R,M,B,Sp 

Rutaceae Citrus aurantium L. 

naranja agria F,H R,M,C,B,Sp 

Rutaceae Citrus reticulata Blanco mandarina H R,M,C 

Rutaceae Citrus sinensis Osbeck naranja dulce F,H R,M,C,B 

Rutaceae Glycosmis heterophylla A.Rich. limoncillo S R 

Rutaceae Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack muraya (mirto) H,S R,M,O 

Rutaceae Ruta graveolens L. ruda H R,M 

Rutaceae Zanthoxylum martinicense DC. 

ayúa (siete rayos) S R 

Rutaceae Zanthoxylum pistacifolium Griseb. palo vencedor del monte (matrimonio) S R 

Sapindaceae Allophylus cominia Sw. palo de caja (caja) S,H R,M 

Sapindaceae Blighia sapida Kon. seso vegetal F R 

Sapindaceae Cupania cfr.C. cubensis M.Gómez & Molinet guara (jalajala, cambia camino, cambia rumbo) S R 

Sapindaceae Exothea paniculata Walp. palo mulato S R 

Sapindaceae Matayba oppositifolia Britton macurije (huye huye) S R 

Sapindaceae Melicocca bijuga L. mamoncillo F,H R,M,C 

Sapindaceae Sapindus saponaria L. jaboncillo (saco saco, mate negro) S,H,Se R,D 

Sapindaceae Serjania diversifolia Radlk. bejuco zarzaparrilla S,H,R R,M 

Sapindaceae Thouinidium pulverulentum Radlk. 

palo caimán 

S R 

Sapotaceae Achras sapota L. níspero (sapote) H,F,Se R,C 

Sapotaceae Chrysophyllum cainito L. caimito (doble cara) S,H,F R,M,C,S 

27


Sapotaceae Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. subsp. oliviforme caimitillo S,F,H,R R,M,C 

Sapotaceae Dipholis salicifolia A.DC. sangre de doncella S R,Ti 

Sapotaceae Manilkara albescens (Griseb.) Cronquist ácana S R,A 

Sapotaceae Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni canistel F,Se,H,S R,C,Ca 

Sapotaceae Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E.Moore & Stearn mamey colorado Se,H,F R,M,C,S 

Sapotaceae Sideroxylon foetidissimum Jacq. 

jocuma S R 

Sapotaceae Sideroxylon salicifolium C.F.Gaertn. cuyá S R 

Scrophulariaceae Angelonia pilosella J.Kickx 

pensamiento (fernandina) H R,O 

Scrophulariaceae Capraria biflora L. magüiro (majuito) H R 

Simaroubaceae Picramnia pentandra Sw. aguedita (rompe hueso, palo amargo, quinina del pais) S,H R,M 

Smilacaceae Smilax domingensis Willd. raíz de China (zarzaparilla) R,S M,B 

Smilacaceae Smilax havanensis Jacq. bejuco tocino S 

R 

Solanaceae Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerh. campana blanca (arbol de la bibijagua) H,S R,T 

Solanaceae Capsicum frutescens L. ají picante (aji guaguao) F R,M,C 

Solanaceae Cestrum diurnum L. galán de día H R,O 

Solanaceae Cestrum nocturnum L. galán de noche H R,O 

Solanaceae Datura metel L. var. muricata chamico (chamico blanco) H,Fl R,M,T 

Solanaceae Nicotiana sp. 

tabaco cimarrón H R 

Solanaceae Solanum mammosum L. güirito de pasión (pechos de señorita, pechitos de doncella) F R 

Solanaceae Solanum nigrum L. 

yerba mora 

Se,H R,M 

Solanaceae Solanum torvum Sw. pendejera (pendenciera) H,S,R R,M 

Solanaceae Solanum verbascifolium L. 

pendejera macho H R 

Sterculiaceae Cola acuminata Schott & Endl. kolá (cola, obi) F,Se R,M 

Sterculiaceae Guazuma tomentosa Kunth guasima (caminante) S,H,R,C R,M 

Sterculiaceae Sterculia apetala H.Karst. anacagüita S,H R,M,C,S 

Sterculiaceae Theobroma cacao L. cacao (+ derivative: manteca de cacao) Se R,M,C,Ol,B 

Sterculiaceae Waltheria americana L. malva blanca R,H R,M 

Theophrastaceae Jacquinia aculeata Mez in Urb. espuela de caballero S R 

Tiliaceae Muntingia calabura L. capulí (guasimilla) S R,C 

Tiliaceae Corchorus siliquosus L. 

malva té H,R R,M 

Turneraceae Turnera ulmifolia L. marilope H,F R,M,O 

Urticaceae Fleurya cuneata (A.Rich.) Wedd. ortiguilla (ortiga) R,H R,M 

Urticaceae Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm. frescura (llovisnita) H R,M,O 

Urticaceae Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich. chichicate R,H,S R,M 

Valerianaceae Valeriana officinalis L. valeriana (+ derivative: tintura de valeriana) H R,M 

Verbenaceae Aegiphila martinicensis Jacq. lengua de vaca 2 (lengua de mujer) H R,M 

Verbenaceae Aloysia triphylla Royle yerba Luisa R R,M 

Verbenaceae Citharexylum fruticosum L. canilla de venado (sangre de doncella, penda) S R,Ti 

Verbenaceae Citharexylum caudatum L. palo guitarra (penda, roble amarillo) S R,M,A 

Verbenaceae Duranta repens L. no me olvides S,H R,O 

Verbenaceae Lantana camara L. rompecamisa H,S R,O 

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Verbenaceae Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson menta americana (quita olor) H,S R,M 

Verbenaceae Lippia dulcis Trevir. orozuz (orozuz de la tierra) H R,M 

Verbenaceae Lippia micromera Schauer oreganito H 

M,Sp 

Verbenaceae Phyla strigulosa (M.Martens & Galeotti) Moldenke fosforito (yerba de sapo, tapa camino, quita maldición 3) H R,Ca 

Verbenaceae Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl verbena cimarrona (verbena azul) H R,M 

Viscaceae Phoradendron sp. palo caballero (caballero) S R 

Vitaceae Cissus sicyoides L. 

bejuco ubí S,H R,M 

Zingiberaceae Aframomum melegueta K.Schum. pimenta de Guinea Se R 

Zingiberaceae Alpinia speciosa D.Dietr. 

colonia (cojate) H R,M,O 

Zingiberaceae Curcuma longa L. cúrcuma R M,Sp 

Zingiberaceae Zingiber officinale Roscoe jengibre (gengibre) R,H R,M,Sp,B 

Zygophyllaceae Guaiacum officinale L. guayacán S R,M,A 

Zygophyllaceae Kallstroemia maxima Wight & Arn. abrojo terrestre (abrojo) H R 

* :in the Cuban Red List 

Part used: C: cortex, F: fruit, Fl: flor, H: herb or leaves, S: stick (stem,vein,branch) R: root, Se: seed, RA: raceme axis 

Use: M: medicinal, R: ritual, C: consumable, O: ornamental, A: artwork, Sp: spice, Cl: colouring agent, S: shadower, 

LF: living fence, MI: musical instrument, Ti: timber, T: toxic, Ol: oil, B: beverage, I: industrial, Ca: consumable for animals, 

G: glue, D: detergent, F: fibre, W: wood, Sy: symbol, U: utensil, BC: biological control, Ro: roofer, Ar: aromatic, Ty: toy 

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Endangred plants on the market in Havana City, Cuba

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