Taxonomic and nomenclatural update of Cenostigma (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) in Cuba

Abstract

Caesalpinia s.l. is a traditionally polymorphous and unnatural genus, which was finally segregated into 27 genera based on robust phylogenetic analysis. Three of the Caesalpinia species recognized in the Flora of the Republic of Cuba were transferred to Cenostigma, while the infraspecific taxa of the two endemic species were not accepted. In this sense, the delimitation of taxa and nomenclature of Cenostigma in Cuba is reviewed. Only Cenostigma myabense var. clementis is recognized as an infraspecific taxon in Cenostigma myabense and the new combination is presented. The infraspecific classification of Caesalpinia pinnata is accepted and three new combinations are presented: Cenostigma pinnatum subsp. oblongifolium, Cenostigma pinnatum var. oblongifolium and Cenostigma pinnatum var. savannarum. The lectotypes for five names are designated: Caesalpinia myabensis, Libidibia pauciflora var. puberula, Caesalpinia hermeliae, Caesalpinia hornei, and Caesalpinia savannarum. The second step lectotype of Poincianella clementis is designated. The diagnosis of all taxa is presented, and nomenclatural information and geographic distribution are included here. In this way, worldwide the Cenostigma genus is composed of 14 species (three in Cuba, two endemic), one subspecies (endemic to Cuba) and nine varieties (two endemic to Cuba).