Seed traits of native species of Punta Guanos, Matanzas, Cuba

Abstract

As part of the project "Actions for the conservation of plant species from the coastal and subcoastal xeromorphic scrubland of Punta Guanos, Matanzas," the morphophysiological characteristics, germination requirements, dormancy classes, and pre-germination treatments of fresh seeds of 13 native species from Punta Guanos are studied. Seven of the species studied are Cuban endemic species, three are Critically Endangered, and one is Endangered. Germination was evaluated under laboratory conditions under constant light and darkness at room temperature (27.5 ± 2°C). Twelve species were identified with potential orthodox seed storage behavior, which would facilitate their conservation in germplasm banks and confirm the presence of morphological dormancy in Coccothrinax borhidiana. The results obtained are mostly novel to science (since no prior information existed for eight species) and will contribute to the limited knowledge available about the regeneration mechanisms of Cuba's native flora and the Punta Guanos ecosystem in particular. This knowledge is essential for understanding the regeneration processes of plant communities and for successful restoration projects and conservation actions.