Use and potential the introduced plants in Guaniguanico, Cuba western

Abstract

In the Guaniguanico mountain range, a mountain system located in the western region of Cuba, the introduced synanthropic species were cataloged with a total of 45 families, 117 genera, and 127 species. The families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, and Solanaceae represented 13.3% of the total, with the highest number of genera (41.9%) and species (49.6%). The uses of 127 species of allochthonous synanthropic plants are reported, categorized into 12 main uses, which showed a relative frequency of uses: human food (42.5%), animal food (22.8%), nutraceutical (11%), medicinal (84.2%), pollinator attractor (18.1%), biological control (26.7%), agroecology (24.4%), industrial (20.5%), cosmetic/perfume (8.7%), ornamental (15%), ecological (50.4%), bioremediation (14.2%). Invasive species are very versatile in terms of their use, particularly in ecological applications, biological control, medicinal purposes, and as food for humans and animals. This could partially explain their invasive success as being multifunctional species. Toxic species are represented by 16 families, 36 genera, and 41 species; 85% of the species have medicinal uses, 26.8% are for human food, and 19.5% are for animal food. These results provide an informational foundation for decision-making regarding the management of plant species, conservation, and sustainable use of botanical resources. Invasive species, despite their ecological impact, represent a resource with multiple applications that could be utilized in a controlled manner. The growing understanting of these phenomena underscores the urgency of implementing comprehensive strategies for prevention, monitoring, and control, as well as strengthening regulatory frameworks to manage this complex environmental challenge.