• Submitted by: Luis Manuel Mazorra
• Science and Technology
• 02 / 27 / 2012

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After 10 years of research in different regions of the island of Cuba specialists Herbarium of National Botanical Garden (JBN), located in Havana, totaling more than 18 000 species in their records.

They toured the Highlands of Banao Ecological Reserve (Sancti Spiritus), the Managed Resource Protected Area Mil Cumbres and Viñales National Park (both in Pinar del Rio), and Biosphere Reserve Zapata Swamp (Matanzas).

The results of each visit were included in an automated program that included international collaboration, and are detailed on the website "Fungi of Cuba" http://www.cybertruffle.org.uk/cubafung.

In statements to AIN JBN specialists explained that the platform in question is developed since 2000, and updated annually on information related to the installation materials, located in the Quinta de los Molinos del Rey, in the Havana municipality of Plaza de la revolution.

It currently has more than 18 000 observations and although its use is restricted to experts, may be of public use, following coordination with curators or administrator of the source clarified.

Described as essential to the work in the field to the knowledge of mycological diversity, the study of the mycobiota, increasing the collection and integration of aspects of conservation achievements.

The National Botanic Garden Herbarium is called "Professor Dr. Johannes Bisse", its foundation dates from 1902 and houses some 200 000 specimens distributed in various plant groups.

It covers the home area with some exotic collections from Mexico, French Guyana, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Venezuela, Virgin Islands and Florida (USA).