Notas sobre las especies de Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) ocasionales y naturalizadas en Cuba

Abstract

Many species of the genus Kalanchoe are widely cultivated due to their ornamental value. This, together with the high capacity of many species to be naturalized has caused some of them to grow nowadays in geographical areas distant from their natural ranges. During the last 65 years the number of species of Kalanchoe reported to Cuba has increased from two to five, according to recent publications. Apparently the lack of a current work gathering the naturalized species of this genus in Cuba and providing keys for their identification has led to discrepancies on the names cited in these publications. The present study is aimed to define the number of species of Kalanchoe that have been naturalized in Cuba, and to offer a key for their identification, descriptions and information on the localities where they have been found. It is estimated that six taxa of this genus grow spontaneously in Cuba. Three taxa are new for the flora of Cuba; one of them, K. laetivirens , is reported for the first time out of its native range. Images and maps are shown that allow a better understanding of the results.