Romanov, Mikhail S.

The reduction of all genera of Magnolioideae (Magnoliaceae) to one single genus Magnolia s.l. is generally accepted by recent taxonomical treatments worldwide. As species of genus Talauma were designated under the genus Magnolia, the Cuban species of the genus Talauma were mechanically considered synonyms of Magnolia minor, the only Cuban Talauma with a valid name that fit into the new concept of the genus Magnolia. In this paper, we review the taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Magnolia sect. Talauma in Cuba considering the literature, the protologue, type specimens and other specimens available. The section Talauma of the genus Magnolia in Cuba were described and the three Cuban species of this section: Magnolia minor and the two new combinations Magnolia oblongifolia and Magnolia orbiculata were presented and also prepare an identification key of the three species. The herbarium specimens available do not allow differentiating Talauma ophiticola from Magnolia oblongifolia. We also provide data on the distribution, conservation status, and ethnobotany of the three species.